Roads

The toll house at the turnpike on Lower High Street, Watford

Photo from Watford Museum

From Romans to highwaymen
The Romans gave Watford its first road with the building of Akeman Street, now the busy A411 and A41, which pass through Bushey and Watford.

From medieval times to the 17th century the roads deteriorated and became dangerously pot-holed. In the summer, dust clouds from travellers provided shelter for highwaymen and footpads. Because Watford lies at the conjunction of several major roads, there was a plentiful supply of victims for the many robbers who had a ready means of escape.  The legendary Dick Turpin allegedly operated in the area, taking refreshment at the Green Man.

Turnpikes and tolls
In 1663 the policy of road maintenance was changed, making it the responsibility of the parish.  Payment had to be found and thus turnpike trusts were created for the purpose of collecting tolls.

In 1850 the toll gate at Bushey Arches (now under the Wickes Store) charged 6d for a horse and 3d for a man on horseback.  There was a second toll gate in North Watford and another in Hagden Lane.

The battle against congestion
By the turn of the century, the expanding town needed improved road facilities. Watford was growing more rapidly than most other parts of England.  In 1924, the High Street was rebuilt and by 1926, the By-Pass had been completed, providing some relief.

But by 1962, traffic congestion around the High Street was becoming intolerable and a one-way system was introduced.  Later, in 1972, a fly-over was constructed at the Parade and Upper High Street and in 1981, a ring road system was built, together with extra car parks. With the opening of the Harlequin Centre in 1990, a link road to the M25 and M1 made it even easier to reach Watford.