27 Sep 2023
There has been another fatality on one of the most notorious – and dangerous – stretches of road in the district, but promised safety measures have yet to be introduced.
A three-mile section of the A5183 Redbourn Road between Batchwood Drive in St Albans and Redbourn High Street Roundabout has witnessed six fatalities and six serious accidents in the past six years, and 19 deaths in total since 1980.
The latest death was on Sunday night, when a black Ford Fiesta, which was travelling south along Redbourn Road towards St Albans, collided with the former Punchbowl pub building.
The driver, a 28 year old man, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Nobody else was injured.
Earlier this year, following a petition of more than 6,000 names and a year-long feasibility study, Herts county council finally recognised the need for action to improve road safety.
The scheme, which has yet to commence six months later, will include changing the various speed limits to a uniform 50mph, with a view to installing speed cameras should this not prove successful on its own, and a road safety and speed awareness campaign which will highlight the number of collisions in the past few years.
Redbourn’s county councillor, Cllr Annie Brewster, has been fighting for safety improvements for years.
She said this week: “The news of yet another fatality on the A5183 is utterly devasting. My thoughts and prayers are with the poor family and friends of the young man who lost his life on Sunday. Police are asking for witnesses to understand what happened.
“I continue to relentlessly lobby to deliver safety interventions on the St Albans to Redbourn section of the old A5 including 50mph average speed cameras.”
Cllr David Mitchell, chairman of Redbourn Parish Council, added: “This is another tragic loss of life on this dangerous road and although we don’t yet know the details of what happened, we need although we don’t yet know the details of what happened, we need road safety measure now. We were promised average speed cameras but nothing has happened. We can’t wait until the next fatal accident.”
Back in December 2020, Viktoria Nurse was driving back home from nursery with her two-year-old daughter and six-month-old son when they were hit head on by another vehicle. The vehicle was travelling in excess of 70mph and due to the speed was on the wrong side of the carriageway exiting the bends near the Prae Wood Arms.
The driver of the other car died at the scene following the collision and Viki was left with life-changing injuries.
Viki has long since been campaigning for safety measures on the road: “Sadly too many drivers day or night take risks with their speeds while driving along the Redbourn Road.
“For me this had significant consequences resulting in life changing injuries such as leaving me partially sighted unable to ever drive again.
“Something needs to be done to minimise the chances of another family suffering as we have.”
Police are appealing for help from the public following the latest fatality.
Det Con Neil Crosier, from the Beds, Cambs and HertsRoad Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s loved ones at this terrible time.
“We are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.
“If you were travelling in the area and have a dash cam fitted, please check your footage and get in touch if you can help.
“Please email me at neil.crosier@herts.police.uk quoting ISR 719 of 24 September.”
