'Emergency' road closure warning after 'big traffic jam' this morning
Motorists have been warned about an emergency road closure which caused a 'big traffic jam' this morning (January 30).
Hertfordshire County Council Highways has confirmed Affinity Water is currently carrying out urgent unplanned repair works in B462 Aldenham Road, between Chalk Hill and Bushey and Oxhey Infants School.
It highlighted that it is around 200 metres from Bushey Arches, after motorists reportedly faced 20-minute delays travelling eastbound from Hillcroft Crescent to Chalk Hill near the arches this morning.DELAYS: #Watford #A4125 Eastbury Road. LONG DELAYS (20min) eastbound from Hillcroft Crescent to Chalk Hill - traffic is busier than usual. #AvoidTheQ pic.twitter.com/qmXwhld0BJ
— HCC Highways (@Herts_Highways) January 30, 2025
According to nearby businesses, the closure was already in place when they opened at around 6am. It also led to a 'big traffic jam' heading towards the closure in Aldenham Road during rush hour.
A permit is in place until the end of Monday (February 3), although as it is emergency work the repairs this may be extended or could be completed significantly sooner.
The pavement has been closed, with an alternative route provided.
The road closure in Aldenham Road as shown on Google Maps (outside Bushey and Oxhey Infants School. (Image: Google Maps)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Another Dragstrip Closes Down
Read the full story on Backfire News Car enthusiasts in Paris, Texas are mourning after the Paris Dragstrip announced it's closing for now. With tracks getting shut down and bulldozed far too often these days, we hate seeing these stories. But the owners of the dragstrip say there are multiple good reasons for the sad Paris Dragstrip has been around for over 50 years, hosting NHRA sanctioned races on the 1/8 mile strip in Northwest Texas. It's been an outlet for many who have octane in their veins, helping them get their need for speed firsthand or vicariously. But that's gone in a flash and seemingly without warning. The owners of the facility took to the official Facebook page on June 17 to make the shocking announcement: 'After a lot of thought and consideration, we have made the tough decision to close Paris Dragstrip until further notice. 'With the rising cost of operations, a constant shortage of staff, ongoing criticism, and the continued struggle to break even financially — it's simply not feasible to keep the gates open at this time. 'This track has been a huge part of our family, and I know it means a lot to so many of you. I want to personally thank every racer, fan, family, and crew member who has supported us over the years. Your loyalty and love for the sport never went unnoticed. 'This isn't goodbye forever — just a much-needed pause. We will be taking this time to regroup and consider what's next. I appreciate your understanding and support more than you know.' While it's shocking, even infuriating to see another track close down, it sounds like this move might not be permanent. Exactly what 'criticism' the Paris Dragstrip has endured isn't entirely clear. But looking around on Google Maps, the facility seems to be around some homes. We don't know if those houses were built before or after the strip was established, but we do know some people buy homes near racetracks, then complain about the noise. Hopefully the Paris Dragstrip comes back better than ever. Too many tracks have shut down in recent years and we hate to see another go away forever. Image via Paris Dragstrip/Facebook
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
10 Best European Beaches For 2025, Per Google Maps
Rabbit Beach and Rabbit Island Lampedusa 'Spiaggia dei Conigli' Analysis of thousands of Google Maps user reviews and ratings by Holidu, a holiday rental portal, has revealed the best European beaches for 2025. While you'd expect Spain, Italy or Greece to dominate the rankings, a surprise is that British beaches are in the top five. The top beach in Europe according to the research is Spiaggia dei Conigli (4.9 rating on Google Maps/2967 reviews) in Lampedusa, Italy turquoise waters while in second place is Barafundle Bay Beach (4.9 rating/1668reviews on Google Maps) in the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire, UK. Here are the best ten beaches in Europe. (4.9 rating on Google Maps/2967 reviews) Spiaggia dei conigli beach. Lampedusa island. Italy. Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach) on the Italian island of Lampedusa is loved for its powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters. As part of a protected nature reserve, the area is also known for being a vital nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, enhancing its appeal for nature enthusiasts and visitors looking for a peaceful getaway. (4.9 rating on Google Maps/1,668 reviews) Barafundle Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire, UK Barafundle Bay Pembroke Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Pembrokeshire Wales Tucked away in the Pembrokeshire in southwest Wales, Barafundle Bay Beach features soft golden sand framed by dunes and pine trees. The beach is guaranteed to be peaceful as it's only accessible by it a half-mile walk from the nearest parking area. Its remote location and pristine surroundings make it an ideal escape for those looking to enjoy quiet and solitude far from busy tourist spots. (4.9 rating on Google Maps/722 reviews) Panoramic aerial view of a beautiful sandy beach and headland (Mwnt, Ceredigion, West Wales) Located in Ceredigion, Traeth Mwnt is a picturesque Welsh beach celebrated for its soft white sands and the historic Mwnt Church perched above the bay. The surrounding coastal trails provide breathtaking views, attracting both hikers and nature lovers. (4.8 rating on Google Maps/32,006 reviews) The beach at Woolacombe, North Devon, England, UK, on one of the hottest days of the year. Woolacombe Beach is one of Devon's most hectic beaches but visitors don't seem to be deterred, judging from the number of glowing Google reviews. Known for its vast stretch of golden sand and consistent surf, it's one of England's most popular destination for both families and surf enthusiasts. (4.8 rating on Google Maps/18,412 reviews) Aerial view of spectacular coastal limestone cliffs and ocean at Southerndown, Wales. UK Another Welsh beauty, Dunraven Bay is recognized for its striking cliffs and distinctive geological features. The bay features a blend of sand and rocks, with intriguing rock pools revealed during low tide. It's a favored spot for fossil seekers and walkers. (4.8 rating on Google Maps/18,412 reviews) Cala Mariolu beach, Sardinia, Italy. Most beach lovers reach this beach by boat and its remote location helps preserve its untouched appeal. The beach is covered in smooth white pebbles and surrounded by incredibly clear turquoise waters. Towering limestone cliffs enclose the cove, creating a striking setting ideal for snorkeling, diving, or simply enjoying a peaceful escape in nature. (4.8 rating on Google Maps/4,746reviews) Playa de Cofete on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura with sandy beach and surf The remote Jandía peninsula of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, offers a breathtaking blend of scale and wild beauty. This expansive sweep of golden sand is framed by the stark, towering mountains of Cofete, crafting a dramatic and almost surreal atmosphere. Its isolated position—reachable only by a rugged drive—enhances its sense of seclusion, making it ideal for adventurers and solitude seekers drawn to unspoiled natural landscapes. (4.8 rating on Google Maps/4,552 reviews) The incredible Simos beach in Elafonissos island, Greece Simos Beach, located on the wee Greek island of Elafonisos in the Attica region, is famous for its striking twin bays and soft golden sand. The beach's shallow, shimmering turquoise waters are perfect for leisurely swimming, making it especially popular with families. Fringed by juniper trees and offering panoramic views of the Peloponnesian coast, Simos captures the essence of a serene Greek island escape (4.8 rating on Google Maps/2,585 reviews) Adraga Beach (Praia da Adraga) at sunset in Portugal Praia da Adraga is located along the rugged shores of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park near Lisbon. With towering cliffs, golden sand and impressive rock formations, it offers a striking backdrop that attracts nature lovers and photographers alike. Another reason to visit is to eat at Restaurante da Adraga, a well-known seafood restaurant overlooking the beach. (4.8 rating on Google Maps/2,421 reviews) Playa de Mataleñas, Spain In a scenic cove, this lovely beach offers a peaceful retreat just outside Santander. Surrounded by steep cliffs and bordering a golf course, this beach features golden sands and a calm, inviting setting. Its protected location ensures gentle waters, perfect for a relaxing swim. Loved by locals, it's an ideal spot for those looking to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the Bay of Biscay. Holidu devised this ranking of European beaches by creating a dataset of beaches in Europe by analysing the Google Maps database for the term 'beach' in all of Europe's coastal provinces. From nearly 10,000 results, they filtered out all results that were not beaches, took the Google Maps user rating (out of 5 stars) for each beach and created a ranking based on the top-rated beaches, prioritising those with the most reviews. Beaches with less than 100 ratings were not included, as the average rating for such beaches can be interpreted as unreliable or irrelevant. The data for this 2025 ranking was collected in May 2025.
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business Insider
I spent a year traveling to 26 countries. These 3 European beaches are my favorite hidden gems.
I spent a year traveling to 26 countries, and during that time, I visited tons of European beaches. To avoid the crowds, I explored on my own and consulted locals for recommendations. Next time I'm in Europe, I'll be sure to revisit Kašjuni Beach in Croatia and Kalogeros Beach in Italy. Greece, Croatia, and Italy all boast beautiful beaches, but let's face it: During the summer months, they can absolutely teem with tourists. I learned this pretty quickly when I spent a year traveling across 26 countries. During this time, I explored all kinds of beaches, from popular tourist spots to hidden gems recommended by locals. Many of my favorites were off-the-beaten-path spots that were quiet, serene, and relatively free of crowds. Here are the three underrated beaches I'd recommend to anyone planning a summer trip to Europe. Kašjuni Beach was the best beach I visited in Split, Croatia. I came upon Kašjuni Beach while hiking through Split's Marjan Park. I made it to the top of the Marjan Park Viewpoint, then checked Google Maps and noticed a beach near the end of my trail. After such an arduous hike, a dip in the Adriatic Sea sounded perfect. When I arrived, I found a stunning beach with crystal-clear water nestled between a peninsula of rock formations. There was a small tiki bar that provided drinks and light bites, and the cost was much more affordable than other beach bars I'd visited across Europe. I had the option to rent a beach chair, but opted to lie on the white sand instead. The beach wasn't crowded at all during my visit, and the water was so clear that I could see schools of colorful fish swimming beneath my feet. I learned about the magical Kalogeros Beach from a local in Paros, Greece. I spent 10 days in Greece following a careful itinerary I'd made with my sister. However, on our last day, we decided to be a little more spontaneous. A friendly shop owner in Naousa, a village in Paros, recommended we visit Kalogeros Beach — so, we rented a car and drove to the other side of the island to do just that. One of the coolest things about this beach is the signature gray clay that sticks to the cliffs. Once we arrived, we saw fellow beachgoers coat themselves in the mud before washing themselves off in the clear Mediterranean water. There wasn't a beach club or restaurant, and the beach itself felt quiet and sparse. We felt like locals as we created our own DIY mud masks and cooled off in the clear, cold water. Many of Cinque Terre's beaches were crowded, but I loved how calm Spiaggia Del Paese felt. I'd visited Cinque Terre before, and mostly spent time at the beach clubs in Monterosso. However, on this most recent trip, I wanted to find somewhere a little more remote. A long walk through the five towns led me to Spiaggia Del Paese, a small beach in Riomaggiore. People were sunbathing on the soft and colorful stones, but I was excited to find that there was still lots of space for me — a welcome change from the sardine-like crowds of some other Cinque Terre beaches. I took a swim in the heavily-salted water and floated for hours while gazing at the Cinque Terre landscape. Next time I'm in the area, I'll definitely ditch the beach clubs and head here first.
