Drivers are being warned about the dangers of using Harpenden Common as a short cut.

On the early evening of the town’s Christmas Carnival, a Land Rover Discovery driven by a local resident was witnessed driving across the common opposite the Harpenden Public Halls, known locally as the Triangle, from the A1081 to Southdown Road and up Arden Grove.

It is thought the driver wanted to avoid the traffic congestion in the High Street and used the common as a short cut. The number plate and model of the vehicle were noted down and passed to the police.

As a consequence the police followed this up and issued a section 59 notice to the driver. This means that if the driver drives in a manner likely to be considered anti social for a period of a year from the issue of the section 59 notice the car they are driving can be confiscated.

Councillor Simon Leadbeater, Chair of the Town Council’s Environment Committee, was delighted with the action of the police.

He said: “Clearly the action of driving over the Common was not only anti social, but highly dangerous, as young children going to and from the carnival were put in harms way. The police have responded very properly and responsibly to the concerns of the Town Council.

“I am grateful for the support they have shown.”