Costco Bushey set to make these changes to ease traffic problems

Bosses at the wholesaler’s Bushey branch have admitted to being “overwhelmed” by how much demand the forecourt has had since it opened last December.

Prices are lower and Costco says it has seen a rise in membership as drivers seek to take advantage of cheaper fuel.

But it has come at a cost to the wider community with queues for the petrol station sometimes spilling out onto Hartspring Lane and even the A41.

Read more: Talks arranged to tackle Bushey Costco petrol station queues

Traffic queuing to get to the petrol station (Image: Newsquest)

Last week, Bushey North county councillor Laurence Brass met with senior staff at Costco to discuss the issue which he says has been raised to him by “many residents”.

Cllr Brass says Costco was very apologetic about the situation and recognised the impact the petrol station is having on the wider road network.

The 30 pump petrol station at Costco shortly after it opened in 2021 (Image: Costco)

As a result, the company has agreed to create a third lane for drivers to queue in, next to the current two lanes.

Some parking spaces will be lost and a kerb and triangular piece of land will need to be removed. It is hoped this extra space will reduce the chances of queues backing onto the main road.

The Liberal Democrat councillor added Costco will extend petrol station opening hours from 6am-9pm to 5am-10pm and customers will be encouraged to exit via the A41 entrance to Costco rather than Hartspring Lane.

This triangular piece of land will be removed, and the parking spaces pictured will be taken out of action, in order to create space for a third lane of traffic to wait in for the petrol station. (Image: Hertsmere Liberal Democrats)

Signs will also be put up telling motorists that they can fill up at any pump because of extra-long hoses introduced while more staff will be on hand to control traffic flow.

Customers have also been advised to avoid filling up between 5.30pm and 6.30pm as well as on Sundays as this is when the petrol station is busiest.

The Hartspring Lane and Costco junction (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking after his meeting with Costco on October 19, Cllr Brass said: “I am sure these changes are going to make a difference. Two lanes already started making a difference and once the third lane is up and running, it will make a very big difference. And importantly, they are going to deploy additional staff.

“We’re all going to review the matter in a month’s time. Costco have taken this issue very seriously and they are doing their very best to alleviate the problems.”