Increased traffic and commercial considerations has caused a local bus company to rethink its operations.

Sullivan Buses, who operate the 306 from Borehamwood to Watford through Elstree and Bushey have been experiencing so much delay through new developments and new traffic light phasing in Watford that they have taken drastic action to improve reliability on the route.

Traffic for both the new Aldi in Borehamwood – where traffic is often at a standstill along Shenley Road -and the new Lidl in Watford has been presenting problems for the operator.

Said Borehamwood Kenilworth Labour by-election candidate, Dan Ozarow: “Traffic volumes have been such that it’s been impossible for the buses to run to schedule. And whilst cutting the extra morning and evening peak services that were added two years ago seems an odd way to deal with it, Sullivan bosses feel that they can offer a more reliable service for our residents.”

Fears for the little used evening services have been unfounded, although it is obvious that it is being heavily subsidised by peak time services.

Continued Dan Ozarow: “The 306 serves a great many of the Borough’s residents and we are grateful that the evening service still exists in some form. Withdrawal of subsidies from the Conservative-run County Council has devastated bus routes at a time when we should be encouraging people out of their cars and onto public transport.”

The frequency of Sunday services will drop from every 90 minutes to every two hours to ensure that the buses run to time and will, say Sullivan, provide more shopping time in Borehamwood.

But the picture is not as good for the 398 route which runs along Borehamwood’s Elstree Way towards South Mimms and Potters Bar. It will lose its already decimated Saturday service and Monday to Friday off peak service will be reduced from hourly to every three hours. However, the winners are the people of South Mimms Village and Clare Hall for whom all remaining services will serve.

The changes come into operation on Friday 14 February.