18 Apr 2025
Harpenden MP Victoria Collins is demanding immediate action to address persistent speeding problems on Station Road following numerous concerns raised by local residents about road safety in the area.
Neighbours have repeatedly highlighted the dangers posed by vehicles traveling at excessive speeds, particularly around hazardous bends, and reported feeling unsafe both as pedestrians and when attempting to access their driveways, with many experiencing near-misses and witnessing dangerous driving behaviour on a regular basis.
It’s not just a speeding either, but a risk to public safety. One resident told Victoria that they have narrowly avoided serious accidents from speeding vehicles as they pull out of their driveway with their four children in the car, as cars would rather veer around them rather than slow down.
Another highlighted two incidents where their property had been seriously damaged due to accidents involving speeding on Station Road, once by a drunk driver and another distracted while at the wheel. Their garden was smashed in the collision, and their car on the driveway written off.
Victoria said: “The residents of Station Road have been raising these concerns for some time now, and it’s clear that the current county council policy of speed control prioritisation is flawed. The Liberal Democrats in County Hall have long been calling for a much better speed management policy – we cannot wait until a fatal accident until action is taken.
“With the increase in reckless driving we’ve seen since the end of COVID-19 restrictions, addressing this issue has become even more urgent. We must also ensure our police are properly resourced to address these dangerous drivers.”
In response to the community’s concerns, Victoria has formally written to both County Hall and Herts police seeking clarification on several key issues.
She wants to know which authority holds ultimate responsibility for implementing effective speed control measures on Station Road, and what available funding for solutions exist, such as speed cameras, and what timelines residents can expect to see any action.
Additionally, Victoria is seeking urgency in the policy of road prioritisation, as well as further resources for the police to improve enforcement.
She is urging concerned residents to contact her office to share their experiences and contribute to the growing evidence base that will be presented to the relevant authorities.
