There are fears the Conservative administration could be about to scrap long-planned cycle lanes in Enfield Town, reports James Cracknell
Enfield Council “should be honest” about changes being discussed to the long-awaited revamp of a town centre, the leader of the civic centre’s Green group has warned.
The Conservative-run council confirmed today (Monday 7th) that the ‘Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood’ scheme had been paused amid a “review” which “identified aspects of the design where further consideration is needed”.
Given the pro-motorist stance of the Tories in Enfield, it seems likely that new cycle lanes proposed as part of the scheme in London Road and Cecil Road are among the “aspects” being reconsidered, although this has not been confirmed.
Enfield Conservatives pledged in their election manifesto to remove cycle lanes in eastern Enfield, as well as two low-traffic neighbourhoods in Palmers Green and Bowes Park, but their reliance on support from the Green group on the council has limited their ability to deliver on such policies.
Regarding the pause to the Enfield Town scheme – which, as well as cycle lanes, also includes new pedestrian crossings and a revamp of the area outside Enfield Town Station – Green group leader Sarah Jons told the Dispatch: “Phase 2B was already approved and underway, so if parts are now being paused, residents deserve to know why, what it will cost, and whether Enfield risks watching external funding disappear with it.
“This was meant to make Enfield Town easier to walk and cycle through, greener, safer and less dominated by traffic. If the new administration wants to pull pieces out, it should be honest about what residents will no longer get.”
At the election in May, the Greens won five seats across Enfield. At the vote for a new council leader later that month, they abstained, enabling Tory leader Alessandro Georgiou to be appointed to the role. But while both the Tories and Greens have a shared desire to protect the Green Belt, the minority Conservative administration’s less enthusiastic approach to active travel schemes was always likely to be a point of disagreement.
Funding for the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood scheme is provided by Transport for London (TfL), with the next phase set to cost £3.65million.
In other parts of London where TfL-funded schemes have either not gone ahead or been scrapped after they were installed, the transport authority has used its powers to withhold funding for other local projects – with both Tower Hamlets and Croydon councils impacted by this.
Regarding the “pause” to the Enfield Town project, a TfL spokesperson said: “We have worked with Enfield Council to support the development of the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood scheme.
“The primary aim of the scheme is to reduce road danger, ease congestion and improve air quality by supporting more people to walk, cycle or use public transport.
“The scheme was designed to be delivered in phases, with the first two phases now complete. We understand that the next phase of construction has been paused following a review of priorities by the council.
“We are awaiting further details before releasing further funding, to ensure that the proposals continue to deliver the intended benefits for local people.”
The council posted an update on its project webpage in May – after the election, but before Cllr Georgiou became leader – confirming construction was due to begin. However, there has since been no sign of any progress.
The works were due to include changes to the layouts of London Road, Genotin Road and the eastern part of Cecil Road, a revamp of the area outside Enfield Town Station to create new seating and planting, and new traffic restrictions for St Andrew’s Road. Bus stops and pedestrian crossings on London Road and Genotin Road were set to be moved, as well as the pick-up point for vehicles outside the station. New sections of cycle lanes would have been created in Southbury Road, Genotin Road, London Road and Cecil Road. The new red route in the town centre was also agreed to be extended further east.
Multiple rounds of public consultations on the works have previously taken place and the former Labour administration at the council officially signed off on the works in February this year, following confirmation that TfL would be contributing £3.65m.
Alex Atherton, from Better Streets for Enfield, said: “The Enfield Town scheme has already been through a lengthy consultation process, and it needs to finish.
“For too long it was a poorly designed centre, hostile to the needs and safety of vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists and those with disabilities.
“It is vital to finish the scheme in order to increase footfall in the town centre and benefit our businesses.
“Relinquishing millions of pounds of hard-won TfL spending is not a sensible move for Enfield’s residents. Potentially it also puts other aspects of funding at risk for more school streets and new pedestrian crossings.”
A council spokesperson said: “The Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood project was paused in May to allow time for the new administration to be confirmed and for the scheme to be reviewed.
“That review found that many elements of the proposed scheme are strongly supported, including plans to improve the public realm, enhance the town centre environment and make roads safer for residents, visitors, and businesses.
“The review also identified aspects of the design where further consideration is needed to ensure the next phase delivers the right balance of benefits for everyone who uses Enfield Town.
“Discussions with TfL are therefore continuing on how the scheme can be progressed and what this means for the next phase of delivery.
“The council remains committed to securing investment in Enfield Town and to delivering improvements that support a safer, more attractive and vibrant town centre.
“No final decisions have yet been made on the scope or delivery of the next phase of the project. Once the final scope of the project has been determined, the council will consider whether any further community engagement is required.”
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