Residents, motorists and driving instructors in Watford have claimed that a width restriction, in Woodmere Avenue, is causing damage to dozens of cars, leaving a number scratched or dented. The problem is extensive enough to force two motorists to take legal action against the council for its implementation.
The obstruction has also been criticised by driving instructors, who aren't happy that it sits right on the test route.
Angela Chandler, a driving instructor in Watford for five years, said "If qualified drivers are struggling to get through it, how can my students? They have to get used to it, as it's on the test route, but every time I go down it, I risk scratching my car."
Paul Watters, head of roads policy at the AA, said "Whatever width restrictions do, they have to work for drivers as well as other road users.
"Sometimes you can follow the guidance from the Department for Transport but it doesn't always work like that in practice. If it is not clear, or badly laid out, there can be an anomaly."