INCREASED safety measures on a “hazardous” road in London Colney that claimed the life of a teenage boy have been called for by councillors.

Daniel Handscombe, of Norris Close, London Colney, died after he was involved in a collision with two cars at a pedestrian crossing in Shenley Lane last month.

Following the fatal accident St Albans district councillor for London Colney Dreda Gordon has said more incentives to slow drivers down on the 30mph stretch of road need to be considered.

Paying tribute to the 13-year-old at a Highways Joint Member Panel Meeting last Thursday she said: “Although I didn’t know him personally it struck a chord in all our hearts particularly as Shenley Lane has been one of the areas that we have highlighted as a hazardous road for quite some time.”

Cllr Gordon went on to explain the issue of safety on Shenley Lane had first been raised to the panel in 2010, and after the submission of a petition some new measures had been implemented.

She added: “We are not looking for blame here because as far as we can make out the accident that happened according to the police, and they haven’t completed their reports, was a tragic accident and so far they have not reported that there was any occasions of speeding or drink driving. But we are aware that speeding is an issue local people are concerned with.”

Danny Kyan, from the highways team at Herts County Council (HCC), said in November 2011 police planned to discuss setting up a local support watch group with London Colney parish council. But Cllr Gordon slammed the idea and said speed cameras would be more effective.

She added: “With the best will in the world this [parish council scheme] relates to volunteers donning neon jackets and standing there and jumping out in the road if they think someone is speeding.

“I really don’t think it is appropriate, I think there should be some sort of corporation involvement and solution to these problems.

“I would suggest something more in the line of speed cameras which are a definite deterrent to speeding traffic.”

During the meeting county councillor Rob Prowse also highlighted the issue of lighting on Shenley Lane and said it was a road where drivers were likely to speed.

He commented: “I live in London Colney so I use that stretch of road quite often. There are two speed operated 30mph signs along the bottom but even though those two signs are there the average speed is more like 40mph.

“I think we need to do something to encourage drivers to slow down along this section.”

HCC are expected to look at safety measures on Shenley Lane following a coroner’s report into the death of Daniel Handscombe and the issue is due to be discussed at the next highways joint panel meeting.