A Hertfordshire county councillor has called for urgent action to address what he described as "chaos" on roads in and around Hitchin, amid multiple road closures causing widespread congestion.

Councillor Ralph Muncer, who represents St Ippolyts and the Wymondleys at Hertfordshire County Council, has written to the county council's Executive Member for Highways, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, urging an immediate review of current traffic management arrangements.

Motorists have reported significant delays on major routes including the A602, with congestion spilling onto rural single-track lanes in surrounding villages as drivers attempt to avoid the worst-affected areas.

Cllr Muncer said: "The chaos seen on our roads over the last few days is a result of poor planning on the part of Hertfordshire Highways and unless urgent action is taken, the misery experienced by thousands of people across Hitchin, St Ippolyts and the Wymondleys is set to continue."

He has called on Hertfordshire Highways to urgently reassess how current roadworks are being managed, including whether changes can be made to improve traffic flow.

Cllr Muncer also highlighted concerns around signage, adding: "I am requesting improvements to diversion and road closure signage to better support drivers who are currently being left confused and frustrated."

Looking ahead, the councillor warned that lessons must be learned to prevent similar disruption in the future.

"The County Council needs to ensure disruption on this level doesn't happen again. Greater consideration should be given to the impact on the road network when allowing multiple works to take place simultaneously within a local area."

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