Perhaps this recent email exchange (below) will help you make your mind up Dick.
The way I read it, they are going to have some plans drawn up BEFORE asking us for the benefit of our experience, and these plans will then be put out for consultation. What I want to know is, how many hours are the planners going to stand on that corner watching driving habits in order to establish the best plan for this junction?
My fear is that when we are finally asked for our advice it will be too late, because the planners will be presenting what is effectively a fait accompli.
Obviously the planners are the experts and couldn't possibly have got anything wrong, because they will have been paid vast sums of public money, just like the experts who designed and installed the previous system. Or am I being too cynical?
Anyway, if you want to vote for him then go ahead mate. I know what I would do in your position.
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Dear Cllr. Pile
It has come to the NoToMob's attention that you have new contractors on board, and that you are currently consulting with them on a replacement design for the Moor End Road bus gate. We are disappointed to note that despite your announcement that you would welcome the public's input when undertaking any re-development, thus far you have not invited us to participate.
We are still willing to provide you with the benefit of our experience in this matter and would welcome an invitation to meet with council representatives and your contractors (Opus Arup) to discuss matters.
Kindly acknowledge safe receipt of this e-mail
Yours sincerely
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P.s. If you haven't already seen the BBC documentary "Parking Mad", here is a link (below). The BBC are currently planning 4 more episodes, and we have been invited to participate.
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Dear xxxxxxxxxxxxxx,
You are correct that Herts Highways ceased to exist when the contracts ended on 30 September last year. We now have a number of contractors working in a suite of 7 contracts. The main highways maintenance contractor is Ringway, and for design etc it is Opus Arup in partnership.
We are still not now receiving many requests for repayment of fines, and so we expect to pay money to the local hospice shortly as detailed in previous public papers.
At the moment there is no formal work going on to reinstate the ANPR cameras, and they remain bagged. However, we are in the very early stages of discussions with Dacorum Borough Council, and the local MP to establish what redevelopments for the town centre are planned. As part of these changes we are looking for a solution to the Moor End Road problem, where motorists are still going through this road, and buses are still being delayed.
We will be consulting very widely once any ideas are found to be feasible, and outline plans come forward, and I would be very happy to have your input, and that of other groups at that time.
We will not repeat the mistakes of the past.
Regards,
Cllr Stuart Pile
Executive Member for Highways & Transport
Hertfordshire County Council