‘Error’ sees speed limit increased outside Welwyn schools
Members of Welwyn Neighbourhood Watch said the decision to place 40mph signs at the entrance of London Road was 'ludicrous' - Credit: Archant
BUNGLING highways chiefs have been forced to apologise after accidentally upping the speed limit on a busy village road – meaning motorists could speed past two schools.
James Bassett, of Beckett Garden, Welwyn, contacted the Welwyn Hatfield Times last week fuming that the speed signs at the entrance of London Road in the village had been increased from 30mph to 40mph.
“I could not believe it first of all. I had to go back and check the sign,” said the 68-year-old, who is a member of the neighbourhood watch.
“It is ludicrous.
“This is a residential area, with street lights and is quarter of a mile from the school.
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“Who the hell is behind this idea?”
Two schools, Welwyn St Mary’s Primary School and Tenterfield Nursery are based in London Road, which then snakes down into the centre of the village along a narrow road.
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On Wednesday a spokeswoman for Tenterfield Nursery said they were unaware of the speed changes.
But after the Welwyn Hatfield Times put the problem to Hertfordshire County Council, a hasty apology was issued.
A highways spokesman said: “Firstly I would like to apologise that these signs have been put up in the wrong location in error.
“I would like to confirm that these will be removed by the end of this week.”
The signs, which were placed next to the BP garage on the B197, were changed back to 30mph signs on Thursday.
“I am pleased that things have come to a favourable conclusion,” Mr Bassett said.
“It is not rocket science to see it is the entrance to a little village, but who knows why it happened?”
“I think this really emphasises the need for a neighbourhood watch – it is a good thing to have, and it makes people more alert of what is going on around them.
“If people had not noticed the signs, this could have gone on for a long time.”
