More than 1,500 people have signed a petition calling for a halt to a proposed low-traffic scheme in Edmonton Green.
The scheme, dubbed “Edmonton Green Quieter Neighbourhood” by Enfield Council, has previously undergone two phases of public engagement. A statutory consultation on the final plan is now set to open later this month.
However, many locals are opposing the various traffic-calming measures being proposed.
Edmonton and Winchmore Hill Conservative Association launched a petition last year which has now surpassed 1,500 signatures.
The association said the area would be harmed by “road closures, one-way systems and reduced parking” as well as “increased pollution, congestion and journey times”.
Describing the scheme as being part of the Labour administration’s “anti-car agenda”, the Tories have also raised concern over the cost of installing the project.
Two low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) installed by the council in Palmers Green and Bowes Park in 2020, and made permanent in 2022, caused significant controversy. The council recently agreed to trial a major change to the Bowes Park LTN after coming under pressure from drivers wanting easier access to their homes.
The petition against the Edmonton Green scheme cites the “disruption” caused by the previous LTNs in the west of the borough as a reason to oppose low-traffic measures in the east.
But Alex Atherton, from campaign group Better Streets for Enfield, said it was an example of a “safe, healthy and people-friendly” scheme that people wished to see.
Alex said: “The evidence to support their success [of quieter neighbourhoods] is very clear. Edmonton Green residents deserve a better solution.
“We are keen to see the final proposals due to go out for consultation soon.”
A report on the second round of public consultation held last year showed 128 people provided feedback on the Edmonton Green plans, with interest shown in speed limits, parking and the arrangement of one-way streets, school streets, and the timings of the proposed modal filters.
Of those taking part in the survey, 58% of respondents did not believe the Edmonton Green scheme would be “at all effective” at making streets safer.
Ahead of the launch of the statutory consultation, on a date to be confirmed in September, a council spokesperson said that Edmonton Green suffered from “high numbers of collisions involving vehicles, people walking, and people cycling” and that “higher population density” meant residents could benefit from “safer streets” and “better connections”.
They added: “The Edmonton Green Quieter Neighbourhood forms part of the council’s wider programme to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable streets.
“Edmonton Green has been identified as an area with significant potential to improve health outcomes through active travel and a priority location for improvements due to a number of factors including air quality, two schools within the area that would directly benefit from safer and healthier routes, and local amenities [which] could be more easily and safely accessed by walking and cycling.
“The council previously sought resident’s views in earlier phases of the proposals throughout 2023 and 2024. Feedback from these phases will inform the design that will be presented during the public consultation that will take place in September.
“The consultation will provide an opportunity to review the detailed designs and to voice any objections. No final decisions will be made until the consultation has concluded where all feedback received will be carefully considered.
“The Edmonton Green Quieter Neighbourhood represents an important opportunity to address local challenges and enhance quality of life. The council will continue to work with the community to ensure that residents’ voices shape the final outcome of the project.”
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