Questions have been raised by motorists who use the A505 Royston bypass about why a 40mph speed limit is still in place more than a month after roadworks ended on the stretch.

Lane closures and a 40mph limit were in place on the A505 for more than a month while work was carried out to create a new junction to the Royston Gateway development.

The project will see Aldi and an M&S Foodhall on land between York Way and the A505 – the stores will open next year according to the latest statement.

The A505 roadworks finished in August, but the 40mph speed limit signs are still in place.

Motorist Tim Staton told the Crow: “I’ve traveled down there alot recently and no-one seems to be abiding by the 40mph speed limit signs.

“It is misleading and dangerous. When the roadworks were on, everyone drove at 40mph because you had to use only one lane. But now the roadworks have lifted you have a situation were you have two sorts of people, the ones that drive at 40mph and the ones that ignore it.

“The ones that ignore it are confronted by the people driving at 40mph and quickly have to overtake at the last minute, usually without looking and into the path of other vehicles, which could cause an accident – although there hasn’t been an accident, there could quite easily be.

“It also doesn’t make sense either – why have a reduced speed limit on a completely clear road with no roadworks on it?”

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: “Contractors are due back on site to complete the works next month. They will have a lane closure in place for the works – placing new signage, vegetation clearance, ditch infill and lining works.

“Once the works are completed the speed limit will be taken down.”