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
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.
Consultation on Old Watling Street junction change
We consulted on a proposal to make the junction of Old Watling Street and the A5183, opposite London Road exit only. The consultation took place between 21 October and 24 November 2025. This change was proposed to address concerns about through traffic using Old Watling Street as an alternative route to the A5183.
The outcome of the consultation will be factored into the London Road junction designs as part of the road safety improvements being delivered along the A5183.
Please see the Old Watling Street consultation page for more information.
For more information contact: SaferRoadsFund@hertfordshire.gov.uk