Enfield Council has granted permission for both UK Power Networks and Thames Water to dig up two key routes at the same time, reports James Cracknell

Enfield Council has been warned that two simultaneous sets of roadworks will render areas west of Enfield Town a “no-go zone” for motorists.

Lavender Hill and Windmill Hill, both used by drivers heading into and out of the town centre, will be reduced to single lane traffic with temporary signals in place.

The works at Lavender Hill are being carried out by UK Power Networks and began yesterday (Thursday 12th), being due to end at 6pm on Monday (16th). The roadworks in Windmill Hill are being carried out by Thames Water and begin tomorrow (Saturday 14th) at 8am and are due to continue for nine days, until Sunday 22nd. A second set of roadworks are also due to commence in Lavender Hill on Saturday 21st, from 8am.

Tom Kingham, a resident living near Lavender Hill, expressed his frustration that the works would be overlapping, likely causing significant tailbacks – particularly on Monday.

The two roads affected are also used by several popular bus routes.

Tom said: “While appreciative that this has been largely scheduled for school half-term, the fact that they are running at the same time will render this area of the borough a complete no-go zone (once again).

“The way from this end of the borough to the other is going to become impossible. God forbid there is any M25 disruption between J24-25 (or visa versa), where these routes would be the diversion off the motorway.

“It seems to be that Lavender Hill, The Ridgeway, Windmill Hill, Slades Hill or Enfield Road consistently have some form of temporary traffic lights on. I cannot remember a time where we didn’t have significant disruption because of something on these major thoroughfares.

“These, combined with works on unadopted roads in Locksley Place are making people utterly miserable, as we can’t exist in and around our own homes.”

Tom added that recent disruption in Enfield Road turned what should have been a six or eight-minute journey into a 27-minute one.

The Dispatch has approached the council to ask why the roadworks were permitted to take place simultaneously and whether the utility companies concerned would be charged under the civic centre’s new lane rental scheme, but has received no response.

More details of the roadworks can be found via the online portal provided by One Network.

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