Talks arranged to tackle Bushey Costco petrol station queues

Costco’s store in Bushey has become increasingly busy since a petrol station opened last December.

Exclusively available to members, the 30-pump forecourt has been a hit thanks to its discounted petrol prices, with a long line of vehicles often waiting.

Read more: Costco opens petrol station at its store in Bushey

Costco petrol station in Bushey shortly after it opened. Image: Costco (Image: Costco)

But Bushey North county councillor Laurence Brass says “many residents” have approached him about congestion at the Hartspring Lane entrance.

This queue, pictured earlier this week, can sometimes tail back to the Costco entrance, causing queues back to the A41 Hartspring Roundabout (Image: Newsquest)

One of those, Paul Butterfield of Beechcroft Road, said: “There always seems to be some drama at this junction with drivers taking risks. An alternative system was already needed and the problem has got worse since the petrol station opened. I’ve seen several occasions where the queue spills right out onto the A41.”

The junction of Costco and Hartspring Lane (Image: Newsquest)

Admitting there is no “ideal” solution, Mr Butterfield says this traffic should have been predicted.

He said: “I think the council should have foreseen the issues when they agreed for a petrol station to be built in this area.

“There’s the potential to install traffic lights [at the junction of Costco and Hartspring Lane] but that will probably only improve safety rather than congestion.

“There should be more straightforward and pragmatic solutions put forward to reduce the queues. Whether that be increased petrol prices marginally or Costco tries to manage the queues in its car park more responsibly.”

Cars queuing in Costco car park for the petrol station (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Butterfield says he was “pleased” to hear a meeting will be held between Cllr Brass and Costco.

Cllr Brass said: “I know management are doing their best to alleviate residents’ concerns.

“It seems Costco has recently changed the route around the car park to give equal priority to both entrances and get more cars off the two access roads. I welcome their traffic light system which shows which fuel bays are free.

“At my meeting on October 19, I am being accompanied by Cllr Paul Richards from Hertsmere Borough Council and we are meeting the senior warehouse manager. I am hoping that we can start to make some progress.”

Costco in Bushey (Image: Newsquest)

A Costco spokesperson said: “Costco is committed to delivering high quality products at the lowest possible prices, including our Kirkland Signature Fuel.  

“We are working hard to provide our members with the best service possible and are working with the council to improve any congestion around our warehouses.”