Moment lorry got jammed in tight spot (From Borehamwood Times)

Lorry caught in width restriction in Newark Green, Borehamwood

3:18pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Anna Slater

This was the moment a lorry tried to squeeze its way through a width restriction down a “cramped” street.

The truck got caught in the 7ft restriction in Newark Green, Borehamwood, at around 3.15pm last Tuesday.

Undeterred by warning signs, the driver of the truck ignored the bollards as he attempted to thread his way through the tight spot.

The lorry managed to get through the front of the control – but the back was simply too big to fit and got jammed.

The pole only has two metal posts – something which has angered motorists – because a proper restriction requires four to warn larger vehicles they will not fit down the road.

Last year, Hertfordshire County Council started work to fix the posts – but it was immediately halted as temporary traffic lights caused mayhem on nearby roads.

The news was met with anger from Kenilworth Councillor Richard Butler, who has long been campaigning for the “grotty” restriction to be fixed.

He said: “I am disappointed the council is not listening to what is clearly a really important issue.

“This picture just shows how dangerous this problem really is and I am surprised nothing has been done.

“It is a crazy situation. It is clearly a cramped street and the whole restriction is just grotty.”

The lorry eventually managed to pass through the poles after around five minutes – much to the delight of drivers who got caught up in traffic as a result of the incident.

But Cllr Butler believes next time, they might not be so lucky.

He added: “The driver had a lucky escape this time, but it could have been a lot worse. I hope the council acts before it is too late.”

The Borehamwood Times is awaiting comment from Hertfordshire Coutny Council.