WATCH: Hazards of danger-zone junction (From Borehamwood Times)

WATCH: Hazards of 'dangerous' Stirling Corner, Borehamwood

1:04pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Anna Slater

Furious campaigners have produced a film showing how Stirling Corner is a “day to day nightmare”.

Motorists, pedestrians and councillors banded together to make the movie and persuade Transport for London (TfL) to install round-the-clock signals in the area.

Sue Alford, of Hunter Close, Borehamwood, directed the three-minute piece to try and raise awareness about the “danger zone”, on the cusp of Barnet and Borehamwood. 

It shows how people struggle to cross the road to get to the Morrisons superstore, because traffic zooms from the A1 at a speed of 70mph.

The 47-year-old said: “It is not a piddly little roundabout. It is a huge junction and someone could get killed there if we don’t do something soon.

“I am fed up of waiting around for something to happen. The film shows just how chaotic the area really is. It is a danger zone. 

“Most people said they didn’t realise how bad the area was until watching the film – it really is a terrible situation.”

The speed limit in the area is 70mph and traffic lights operate only from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, which many feel is not adequate.

The film, which was made by filmaker Paul Welton, also shows how people are too afraid to use the crossings when the traffic lights are not on, so take the bus instead.

Miss Alford, who narrated the film, said: “When the lights are switched off, motorists are often confused, stopping when they do have priority or expecting others to give way.

“It is not a recipe for smooth traffic flow. It is a day to day nightmare with no end in sight.”

Nine years ago, TfL promised to reduce the speed limit in the area from 70mph to 50mph and to install 24 hour traffic signals – but this is yet to be put in place.

A Metropolitan Police report by PC Andy Wrigley describes crossing the A1 on foot as “inadvisable and clearly dangerous.”

Councillor Clive Butchins, deputy Mayor of Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council, also helped narrate the video.

He said: “I think Sue has done a great job producing the piece.

“It is an unfriendly junction for cyclists and pedestrians – but personally, I am not sure what the satisfactory and affordable solution to this conundrum is.”

Tony DeSwarte, of Nash Close, Elstree, said: “What people don’t realise is how stressful driving through the roundabout is.

“I am an experienced driver of 50 years, and I dread to think how new drivers feel about going through the area.

“Many people are too afraid and avoid the roundabout altogether – I can guarantee the accident statistics would be far worse if people didn’t.”

The Borehamwood Times is awaiting a response from TfL.