The bus lane has caused huge traffic jams in the town centre but Enfield Council hopes new restrictions will resolve the issue

The new 'red route' in Church Street — The new ‘red route’ in Church Street

Enfield Council has lifted the suspension of its controversial bus lane in Church Street after installing a ‘red route’ which it claims will resolve the traffic issues it had created.

The short 24-hour bus lane in Enfield Town was suspended earlier this month after drivers complained that it was causing huge tailbacks, as any hold-ups in the all-purpose lane forced vehicles to wait for the road to clear.

A red route, banning all stopping in the street, has now been installed alongside the bus lane, which the council hopes will resolve the issues created.

The civic centre has still not explained why the bus lane and red route were not installed simultaneously.

Last week a Conservative councillor, Mike Rye, warned the red route would not solve the problem as many drivers would ignore it, and deliveries still needed to be made to shops without rear access.

Cllr Rye called the impact of the bus lane “utter carnage” and added: “I want them to scrap it. The bus lane serves no purpose. The previous arrangement worked perfectly well and it meant traffic could flow seamlessly through, but that is not happening now. It is detrimental to businesses.”

A council spokesperson said: “Loading bays have been built into the plans, with dedicated loading areas at both ends of the high street, as well as parking available throughout the town centre.

“We are also investing more in enforcement and in keeping streets cleaner and safer, so the town centre works better for residents, visitors and businesses alike. We are keeping a close eye on the situation and ask drivers to park responsibly so everyone can get around safely.”

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