The problem of improving pedestrian safety at a “death trap” junction was among issues raised by residents at a public meeting. 

Hertfordshire County Council is currently hosting a consultation on reducing speed limits from 70mph to 50mph at the Stirling Corner roundabout between Rowley Lane and Courtland Avenue in Borehamwood.

Speaking at last night’s meeting of the Elstree and Borehamwood Residents’ Association Sue Alford urged people to respond to it.

She said: “I don’t think anybody does not think this reduction in the speed limit is a good idea.”

One member of the public asked what was being done to improve pedestrian safety, saying: “We need a 100 per cent safe crossing for pedestrians. At the moment people, even the elderly have to run across the road. It is disgraceful.”

John Cartledge said: “I am sure the number of people who take the 107 for one stop because they are afraid to cross the road is not insignificant. I have seen a few hardy souls crossing Stirling Corner by foot and dicing with death.

Resident Chris Anderson, who previously worked as a transport planner for councils and the Ministry of Transport, said 20,000 cars used the roundabout every day.

He said: “The number of people using cars is only going to increase. I advise people to look to the future and campaign for an underpass as the only viable solution to this problem.”

However Mr Cartledge said people were reluctant to use underpasses as they did not feel “safe”.

He said: “I have seen people clamber over barriers rather than use an underpass, they are deeply unpopular.”

Mr Cartledge suggested a footbridge should instead be built, but said there might not be enough space at the roundabout.

He said: “Not many people cross Stirling Corner because it is too dangerous, but I’m sure if a footbridge is built it would inspire the demand for people to use it. However it would need a large footprint as a disabled ramp with a gentle incline would need to be built.

“A solution to this problem will be tricky.”

Mayor of Borehamwood Cllr Clive Butchins said finding the £1million needed to fund a footbridge would be very difficult.

Ms Alford is urging people to write to Transport for London, which is in charge of Stirling Corner, saying how “delighted” they are with the 24/7 traffic signals.

She asked those present to add their comments about pedestrian crossings to any correspondence.

Comments should be sent to LondonStreets@tfl.gov.uk and the consultation on lowering speed limits can be found at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/streets/a1-barnet-bypass