THE long-running saga over control of the A10 trunk road has come to an end. The Highways Agency has handed over responsibility for the trunk road to Herts County Council. It means the county council can begin talking about plans to improve the road. In r

THE long-running saga over control of the A10 trunk road has come to an end.

The Highways Agency has handed over responsibility for the trunk road to Herts County Council.

It means the county council can begin talking about plans to improve the road.

In recent years around Royston there have been numerous safety issues concerning the A10, but these have always been ignored because the Highways Agency insisted that the Government would be de-trunking the trunk road.

It is now possible that safety issues - especially in the Royston area - can now be addressed.

The future of responsibility of the A10 has led to MP Oliver Heald being thwarted at every turn when he has called on the Highways Agency to implement safety measures.

County Councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for Highways, transport and rural affairs, said: "Over the next 18 months we will be carrying out a programme of road surface repairs and upgrading the bridge parapets along the entire route.

"We have planned this work well in advance to ensure we minimise congestion and continue to provide a safe and efficient road network.

"We will also, of course, be managing the day-to-day upkeep of the road."

Cllr Pile added: "We will be working closely with the Highways Agency to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible."

Royston's county councillor Doug Drake said: "Something I would like to see happen is the introduction of flashing warning signs in London Road to warn people if they are speeding.

"I also want to see an audit carried out on all the safety features in the town, until we get a bypass to try and make it more friendly for people."

Peter Smith, area performance manager of the Highways Agency, said: "The road mainly serves local and regional traffic and by handing it over to the local highways authority it allows decisions to be taken locally and for the road to be better integrated with local transport and planning issues.