THE dangerous junction near Colney Heath where motorcyclist Neal Christian was killed last year could be altered to prevent further deaths.

Residents have for years been urging Herts county council (HCC) to make drastic improvements to the longabout on the A414.

Motorbike rider Neal Christian, 64, died after being thrown into the air, landing 10 metres along the carriageway after colliding with Lorraine Ferris, 51, on March 20 last year.

Ferris has since been convicted at Luton crown court of causing death by careless driving and placed on a 12-month Community Order and told to carry out 100 hours unpaid work.

She was travelling from her Colney Heath home when she pulled out onto the longabout on the A414 from Colney Heath High Street and struck Mr Christian, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Speaking after the sentencing, HCC Councillor for the Colneys Chris Brazier said the local authority was investigating three possible road layouts. HCC is modelling the installation of traffic lights, putting in a pedestrian crossing or splitting the intersection into two separate roundabouts.

Cllr Brazier said that the council would determine which option offered the most effective and cost-efficient junction adding, “there have been numerous car crashes there.

“You have to judge any traffic coming towards you before you pull out onto the longabout. It does need altering.”

He said he felt sorry for both families following the tragic death of Mr Christian.

Sandridge resident Rob Moore has written to the Herts Advertiser to criticise the lack of action by the HCC in improving the junction.

He explained: “Any motorist who has tried to exit Colney Heath in rush hour or who has attempted to gain access to Colney Heath from Sleapshyde will testify to the madness of this junction and will be able to recount numerous examples of near misses as frustrated motorists make a dash for it.

He said while thousands of pounds had been “squandered on pet projects elsewhere in the district”, funding had not been provided for traffic lights at the junction.

Rob added: “If I lived in Colney Heath I would have to ask why I lived in a forgotten village, a village whose voice is ignored.

“The answer I fear is that they are situated on the wrong side of St Albans, I can’t imagine that such a junction would be permitted in Redbourn or Harpenden.”