We’re progressing with improvements to make the A5183 safer for everyone between the M1 (Junction 9) and the Central Bedfordshire County border.
Background
We have been awarded £1.8 million through the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund, which was established to help local authorities across England improve safety on high-risk A-roads. The funding will be used to make improvements to junctions along the A5183 between Markyate and Flamstead. The project aims to benefit all road users, including drivers, walkers and cyclists, as well as enhancing the environment for those who walk and wheel in the area. A consultation was held in 2024 to gain feedback on the proposals for safety improvements.
The safety improvements
Following feedback received during the 2024 consultation, we are progressing with:
Speed limit reductions
Subject to confirmation of statutory processes:
- 40mph speed limit between the Central Bedfordshire border and the M1 (Junction 9)
- Section of 30mph speed limit at the junction with Chequers Hill.
Pedestrian safety improvements:
- A new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing with a central island refuge on the A5183 to improve access to the bus stops near the Holiday Inn
Junction improvements:
- New traffic signals at the junction of London Road and the A5183 including pedestrian crossing phases on some arms.
- New traffic signals at the junction of Chequers Hill and the A5183 with improved access to the Old Watling Street Truck Stop.
The next step is for Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to be published. These will appear in local papers and Hertfordshire County Council’s website.
Further highway changes are proposed for Old Watling Street and a consultation will be undertaken with the local community later in 2025.
See our safety improvements on a map
Additional proposals on Old Watling Street
Feedback from the 2024 consultation highlighted concerns about the increasing use of Old Watling Street as an alternative route to the A5183. We are currently considering options to reduce through-traffic and enhance safety along the route. These proposals would complement the wider A5183 improvements and will be shared with the local community for further feedback. More information will be shared in Autumn 2025.
Consultation on the A5183 improvements
A public consultation took place in 2024 to gather feedback on proposed safety improvements along the A5183 between Markyate and Flamstead. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to participate.
The consultation included plans to install traffic signals at the Hicks Road junction, including pedestrian crossing phases.
We have decided not to proceed with this part of the scheme at this stage as it will require further assessment. This will allow us to focus the available Safer Road funding on the key safety improvements along the A5183.
The A5183 consultation report (PDF 4.35MB) includes the results and detailed feedback from the 2024 consultation.
For more information contact: SaferRoadsFund@hertfordshire.gov.uk