Police warn road bowls fans to stop risking their lives on 60mph lane

Bulls Lane, Welham (Google Street View)
Bulls Lane, Welham (Google Street View)

Hertfordshire Police have warned people to stop putting their lives at risk by playing bowls along a 60mph road.

Games of Irish road bowls have been taking place along Bulls Lane in Welham Green, near Hatfield.

The sport of road bowling sees competitors aiming to throw a 28oz metal ball along a course of country roads – typically around 4km long – in as few moves as possible.

Games can last for several hours and it is common for people to place bets on the outcome.

The sport originated in Ireland, where it is governed by the Irish Road Bowling Association. However, it has recently gone global, with courses being developed in London, Boston (USA) – and now Welham Green.

Most popular on Yahoo News UK

Here’s why you should never end your text messages with a full stop
Police arrest 49-year-old man on suspicion of murdering missing teenager Gaia Pope
Rolf Harris has one of his 12 sexual assault convictions overturned
NASA solves mystery of eerie ‘whistling’ in upper atmosphere
Donald Trump describes world leader who admits killing people as ‘a good guy’

Sgt Steve Hynes told BBC News: “We will take further action if the game continues.

“I would urge the public to help us put a stop to this dangerous pastime by reporting to us when they witness it happening.”