Is the LTN adversely affecting you? Comment below to let us know your experiences of the Fox Lane LTN.
48 Comments
SWG
on June 25, 2021 at 8:29 pm
The LTN has ruined my life, I live on Cannon Hill with a young toddler. The constant traffic, beeping, road rage, stuck buses and lorries, means it is impossible to get my son to sleep. We can’t open the windows even in the heat of the summer due to the now high pollution levels. I don’t drive, I don’t own a car, I pay the same council tax as all the privileged people who apparently deserve cleaner air at our expense. Tell me HOW IS THIS FAIR??? Who decided my family and my road doesn’t deserve ‘fresh air’? You have basically decided there are people who will be privileged at the expense of us. I didn’t buy my home on a ring road, those in the Lakes Estate knew their roads could be busy.
There are clear links between pollution and many illnesses, including cancer, this decision has meant those on the new ‘ring road’ are now at higher risk. I can’t understand how anyone thinks this is OK. They are either deluded to somehow justify ‘reduced traffic levels’ by pretending the same traffic isn’t just sitting on different roads, or they are not interested in our lives and health, and only interested in those living in expensive houses off fox lane.
Hi Sarah
We truly understand how you feel that’s One Community is fighting against this LTN. If you haven’t already you can you feedback directly to healthystreets@enfield.gov.uk
Thank you for your leaflet regarding fox lane. Why hasn’t broomfield lane been included in this as the traffic on the stretch of road with two double bends is dangerous as they speed round the corners. This has been reported on many occasions. Traffic builds up all the way to traffic lights next to the library. As residents we are fed up with it, not only do we have constant traffic but now fox lane has closed the traffic is building up on broomfield lane. Judging by the information on this leaflet it seems that the focus is towards the lakes side. We need to address the issues in the whole of palmers green if we are all a community!
One Community Enfield
on August 11, 2021 at 9:24 am
Hi Penny. thanks for getting in touch. One of the big issues is that Enfield Council failed to take into account the knock-on effect of closing roads outside of the immediate LTN. They refuse to see what’s happening and appear to ignore the voice of those living outside of the LTN. This is one of the reasons why the council should remove the LTN and look again at how traffic can be slowed down and be less polluting. If you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
The LTN is affecting my health, firstly I’m a driver and a cyclist and avoided cycling in Fox Lane as its very bendy and hilly. As a result of LTN in Cretain Roads opposite Broomfield Park and Fox Lane, the traffic in Green Lanes and Aldermans Hill and Hazelwood Lane opposite Fox Lane, the TRAFFIC HAS INCREASED 10 FOLD, causing many residents in non LTN to breathe the extra emissions as traffic is now diverted at the expense of LTN roads. This has to be reversed!!
My sister in law has asked me to write to you on her behalf. She has no internet, like many other people she lives in Southgate and is finding getting around more difficult with the increase in traffic due to cycle lanes and the closure of roads. It has done nothing to help pollution or the flow of traffic. She uses a car and cannot use other means of transport again like so many people. My husband has spent over an hour along alderman,s hill to get to our house in Palmers Green, it is unbelievable. That is because he can not use the side streets. The only benefit of this action has increase the amount of money due to fines that people have incurred due to not understanding the road signs which are not clear and in many cases not necessary.
If you are closing the use of roads can we get a reduction on our road tax? I also agree with these comments, although I have complained before I have not got an acknowledgement, I hope someone will get to read this and make a note of our dissatisfaction. Traffic was not so congested before these ideas of low traffic neighbourhood schemes were introduced. So can we go back to what it was before. I feel more thought should be given and consultation with the public before going ahead with costly and non essential projects. More homes are being built (yes necessary) which will contribute to more traffic and congestion if these schemes are not scrapped.
I hope this will be dealt with as soon as possible.
One Community Enfield
on August 11, 2021 at 9:22 am
Hi Catherine. Thanks for getting in touch. One of the big issues is that Enfield Council failed to take into account the knock-on effect of closing roads outside of the immediate LTN. The fact that your sister is finding it so difficult to get around is one of the reasons why the council should remove the LTN and look again at how traffic can be slowed down and be less polluting. If you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
As a life long and committed Labour voter and member, I cannot believe that they have imposed these LTNs which go against all Labour values. It’s a shame that they are damaging the popularity of a party otherwise doing good things. Creating what is effectively a private estate for people with expensive houses by imposing this LTN is unconscionable; we have moved within the LTN and I don’t live on London to have an eerily quiet road- if I wanted that, I’d move to the countryside. The congestion and pollution created on the main roads is terrible. These road closures are intended to deter people from using cars when everyone’s life is planned around car use- how about giving a 5 year warning so that we can consider our life styles? Give every child a school they can walk too. I believe that the cameras are a money tree for the council- why not put up proper no entry signs otherwise? They are deliberately badly sign posted.
Stop the LTN!!
One Community Enfield
on January 9, 2022 at 1:46 pm
And yet they continue to. build without any signs of a supporting infrastructure. If you haven’t already please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
I’m so pleased someone is doing something. My road and my sisters have become rat-runs with aggressive driving as people speed where they can due to having been held up on congested streets elsewhere.
Why is I can walk down the centre of the LTN estates car free streets, and with mine I have to put up with noise and pollution. I did not buy my house with the road like this, and I would not buy it now. Will the price of my house drop while others see and increase in the value of their property. Would I get compensated for this. Im guessing not.
The LTN is a very bad idea its definitely not working, in the last 2 months its becoming constant heavy traffic on Aldermans Hill , The Bourne, Cannon Hill , The Green /Southgate , Bourne Hill , High Street , you have forced all traffic on these roads it like this most days , and now everyone stuck , cars , buses , lorries, means now all journey times are taking for ever , normally before LTN introduced its tales around 2-3 minutes from Cannon Hill to Green Lane Palmer’s Green , now its takes 10 minutes and over ..
With all this number of vehicles sitting in traffic every days on hours none stop is causing high pollution levels , plus time wasted on setting on traffic even for ones using buses , more flue cost for car owner etc,
There is no justification for the LTN its actually cased bigger problem , you may think to reduced traffic levels’ but have created even more by traffic sitting on different roads, you should come out and see the problem yourself maybe will understand !
The LTN must be scraped , as its not working who ever decide to come up with this ideal must be deluded , this was never planned through properly as what will the impact will be , this scheme not suitable for this area .. as I can’t understand how anyone thinks this is OK and a good idea ..
One Community Enfield
on August 11, 2021 at 9:49 am
Hi George. We agree with all the points made but are still waiting for Enfield Council to make a decision. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
Dreadful idea, increases pollution and levels of traffic – as well as causing congestion in otherwise quiet roads. Just another hare-brained idea of a grossly incompetent Mayor.
One Community Enfield
on August 11, 2021 at 9:43 am
But the decision to implement the scheme is taken at council level and Enfield Council seem hell bent on keeping the scheme. We have to keep recording the issues and telling everyone what the effects continue to be. In case you are interested and if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
I have witnessed 2 car accidents in the past 3 weeks where drivers are doing sudden u-turns on high street/Cannon hill when they see that traffic is not moving. I can’t believe how much this project has had a negative impact on so many people.
Five minute essential journeys are now taking 20 + minutes.
Pollution is awful.
Traffic noise is up.
Continuous sirens as only one route.
Road rage.
Have stopped using Southgate High street as it’s means being sat in traffic at any time if the day.
One Community Enfield
on August 11, 2021 at 9:42 am
Hi Angela. That’s dreadful to hear. We would encourage you to let your local councillors know about the car accidents; it’s really important that they are made aware of what’s happening during this “non-reporting” period since the Let’s Talk system closed. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
Thank you, I thought no one else cared – I received your card through my door today and yes I would like to add my name to this protest about the LTNs.
This scheme is the most stupid thing ever, it is dividing our community. If i want to visit soemone over Fox Lane then I have to drive all the around and go via Green Lanes and Aldermans Hill – And that is such a waste of time – exactly what politicians are good at – divide and rule.
I have lived in Palmers Green for 26 years now and because of this absolute stupidity I am thinking of moving.
If the politicians think this is working for their constituents – the people they are meant to be representing – then it is NOT.
One Community Enfield
on August 11, 2021 at 9:40 am
Hi Rasheed. We absolutely agree with you. It’s ill thought out and driving a wedge between people. We are still waiting to hear what the council intends to do about the scheme.In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
Make all 17 roads that were closed one way. If some roads want to be a cul de sac that’s fine but not all 17. This is causing more pollution and needless stress on people’s already stressful lives
One Community Enfield
on August 11, 2021 at 9:35 am
HI Matthew – we agree with your comment that the scheme is creating more pollution and stress. The Haringey Ladders has an alternative system for traffic flow which has worked. But the Council seem fixated on keeping this LTN, although a decision has yet to be made by the council. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
Make all 17 roads that were closed one way. If some roads want to be a cul de sac that’s fine but not all 17. This is causing more pollution and needless stress on people’s already stressful lives
One Community Enfield
on August 11, 2021 at 9:35 am
HI Matthew – we agree with your comment that the scheme is creating more pollution and stress. The Haringey Ladders has an alternative system for traffic flow which has worked. But the Council seem fixated on keeping this LTN, although a decision has yet to be made by the council. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
I was taking my late father’s belongings to Southgate Auction house. (Yes, covid). On seeing the flower boxed roads I realised I couldn’t cut through, (got caught out on Meadway when this scheme just started) as in my days living in Winchmore Hill, so continued along Fox Lane to cut round. I was met with the sign on the bridge, but surely if I’m allowed in one end of Fox Lane I should be advised it’s a dead end. Incredulous, I carried on as where could I go, but do a u turn with another car behind me… big mistake. NCB in the post. So I will never be using Southgate again for auctions, or coffee shops (my mum loved the few around Southgate by the Orange Tree. Just no point to coming to Southgate anymore.
Southgate RIP.
One Community Enfield
on August 11, 2021 at 9:29 am
Hi Miranda. We’re sorry to hear about your father; such a difficult time for you has been compounded by this nonsense that surrounds the area. With regard to the “dead end” question; the road signage used is apparently technically the right one because a dead end or no entry sign would not allow for emergency service vehicles to use the Green Lanes end of Fox Lane. It’s red tape wrapped up with red tape as we believe that a simple No Entry sign with “except for emergency vehicles” would be far clearer and just as acceptable. If you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
This Fox lane closures have made life miserable for people who wish to just go shopping to the local Palmers Green shops. The traffic is crazy and a five minute drive has become 20 to 25 minutes. We hardly ever see any cyclist in the cycle Lane in Palmers Green. The parking spaces have been taken away to make a cycle route. How is local business going to thrive? That is why it looks like a dead street.
One Community Enfield
on August 11, 2021 at 9:19 am
The aim is to stop short journeys, but without knowing why/how people get around the LTN is not going to force people out of their cars. It will just create slower and more polluting traffic. If you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
The latest in a long list of bizarre and dysfunctional road decisions by Enfield Council & TfL. The concept of the Green Lanes cycle route is a great idea but the way it has been built is extraordinary – even regular cyclists seem to dislike it as they are often seen riding on the road rather than adjacent cycle lane. The sudden introduction of poorly signposted road blocks on all roads between Alderman’s Hill and Fox Lane may have been done with good intentions but it’s obviously not working. There are massive unintended consequences: crazy congestion on Alderman’s Hill, Green Lanes etc (no need to introduce Haringey-style 20 mph limits – we dream of driving at 20 mph!!!); buses & emergency vehicles unable to flow freely; delivery drivers (and everyone else) forced to do dangerous 3 point turns in tight roads that weren’t designed for that purpose. Local pollution has not been eased, it has been re-distributed and is now extreme – some roads with countryside-clean air and some roads with dangerously high pollution levels (illegally high???). Surely Enfield Council can see it’s not working as they planned. Do we have to wait for asthma attacks, injuries & deaths before the system is scrapped/amended. That’s what had to occurr before the new left-turn lane towards Arnos Grove & Southgate on the North Circular was shortened 4 or 5 years ago. Come on Enfield Council: there’s no shame in trying something but admitting it hasn’t worked (come and see some of my DIY projects!). Don’t stick with it just to save face. Cars are here to stay – they will increasingly become battery powered but even electric cars have to sit in traffic jams.
One Community Enfield
on August 11, 2021 at 9:17 am
we agree with all your points Gary (particularly the comments about driving at 20mph!). If you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
Although we live outside the main affected area, we do have good reason to want to visit the affected LTN areas for personal/business reasons. Some of our journey times have effectively doubled as we have to take longer, more circuitous routes to get to our destination(S). One of our friends, who sadly passed away in the summer, lived off Southgate High Street, and, under the current scheme, we were no longer able to access this address via Meadway/Greenway (as these have fallen into the LTN scheme). By the same token, I fail to see why the residents along The Bourne and Southgate High Street have had to pay penalty in the form of increased pollution and traffic, as we have been forced to divert to surrounding roads. Please note that we only very occasional users of taking the Meadway/Greenway
Our visits to the Southgate Green area, with its shops and cafés, have also lessened. This seems inherently unfair on the businesses in the area which have already undergone the double whammy of the economic downturn and the pandemic. They need every help they can get. Again, longer journeys and uncertainties over where to park, which are the direct result of the council’s implementation of the LTN scheme, have been two major contributory factors to this.
This misguided scheme has also had a ‘riple’ effect further afield. My visits to my mechanic in Hawthorn Avenue can typically double from 10 to 25 mins in peak periods, as traffic tends to become very concentrated in certain areas.
The LTN scheme is also very divisive. Surely, there is an unwritten law that, when you live in a city, that you interact as a community which means that citizens are allowed to go about their lawful business without unnecessary impediments. i.e
delivery drivers have to deliver packages, people have to visit relatives (some of which are sick) etc etc. Again, the creating of communities where there is hardly any traffic as opposed to those were there is increased build up has created a culture of haves and have nots.
One Community Enfield
on January 9, 2022 at 1:14 pm
We agree with all the points you have raised Jonathan. If you haven’t already please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
Worst thing ever implemented by any council in southgate. Labour out!!
How does making a 3 minute journey take 10 times as long “help air pollution ”
The people who came up with the scheme are clearly morons
One Community Enfield
on January 9, 2022 at 1:14 pm
We absolutely agree with you Peter. If you haven’t already please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
I am appalled at the chaotic system that has been inflicted not just on the local residents but also their visitors.This is further compounded by the recent and ongoing increase in home delivery vans ,resulting in a dangerous polluted environment with blocked traffic – this is obvious to any one with vision and foresight .
The long waited improvement on public buses does not appear to have happened- it would useful to get official confirmation from TFL about the proposedincrease in service ( has any additional budget been allocated for this – if so could we have breakdown of it) and thenew time table.
One Community Enfield
on January 9, 2022 at 1:13 pm
We agree with all the points you have raised. If you haven’t already please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
I live in palmers green and am badly affected by fox lane LTN and Bowes LTN on a daily basis. In addition to all the other comments I want to add that since these LTNs were introduced our councillors have held only 1 ward meeting via video conference, They say due to covid. But we’ve been out of lockdown for months and socially distanced meetings have been possible. Where is democracy?
One Community Enfield
on January 9, 2022 at 1:12 pm
Absolutely Linda. If you haven’t already please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
I have just noticed that Enfield Council is promoting the site London Idling Action in its materials for schools. This site https://idlingaction.london/ explains the pollution produced by idling traffic. Wait a minute – thanks to the LTNs we now have idling traffic on all our main roads, all the time. How can that fit with the council’s ‘Healthy Streets’ policy?
One Community Enfield
on January 9, 2022 at 1:11 pm
I’m not sure Maggie but please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
I’ve lived in Southgate for nearly 40 years and have always felt confident walking and cycling around the area during daylight or after dark as most of the roads have always had passing traffic and just more life in general. Since the LTNs I have tried twice to walk the quickest route home after dark but found it eerily too quiet now, so have decided to always walk back home via the busy traffic routes as drivers have to now; it takes longer, but I feel safer, even with the extra vehicle fumes… Quiet is not always best……..as a woman of retirement age, having traffic around in the side roads gives a feeling that help is nearby…for the same reason I prefer to cycle on the busy roads, and no longer wish to cut through the roads that are empty of traffic, especially after dark. I am not in a car, so please open up all the roads again so I feel there is life around again. We always teach our children never to take quiet shortcuts, they are not always the safest option……the LTN scheme is misguided.
One Community Enfield
on March 11, 2022 at 12:16 pm
Hi Catherine
This is so heartbreaking to read. We shouldn’t be making women, girls or anyone feel scared about walking and cycling home. This point however seems to be dismissed by Enfield Council who deny that crime has gone up in the quiet roads even though the police stats show that they have. One Community has now commenced legal action against Enfield Council and we will distributing a leaflet about this showing how you can contribute. in the meantime, DCC Maggie Blyth, Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Coordinator, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has launched an initiative about this and Enfield Police are holding an event on 17th April which may be of interest to you. Please clock on the link for more information: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/walk-talk-enfield-tickets-293014894437?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
I have lived in this neighbourhood for almost thirty years and I am deeply saddened to see the disastrous ways in which the LTNs have altered our lives.
We now have two distinct regions in what was once ‘one’ whole community and the ugly result is that this has created enormous division between people.
Our community was always inclusive and equal but now the LTNs have created distinct areas and this has negative and separatist connotations for the people who live here. As a result of LTNs, certain roads have been cut off but traffic flow has now increased in surrounding streets and children living in these streets are now breathing in significantly higher levels of polluted air – how can this, by any stretch of the imagination, be deemed fair and just?
The more expensive properties and affluent areas are being protected, in terms of noise and air pollution levels, whilst the impact of the LTNs on surrounding areas is being ignored. The whole set-up stinks to high heaven – it is as if the residents and their children who live in surrounding streets are of less value, less importance and simply do not matter in the grand political scheme of things. We all pay our community charges, we all pay our taxes, we are all equally invested in our community.
It is frankly disgusting that arrangements that divide people and create hierarchies and systems of privilege have been allowed to take place. This is a clear case of discrimination, at its most rotten, in favour of the rich! The members of Enfield Council who supported this nasty state of affairs should hang their heads in shame.
Traffic conjestion is considerably increased . Parking is severely restricted since the trial scheme was implemented. Would nimby be very applicable to this scheme.let the implementing operatives try it for themselves. Another waste of Councill money
Dear All,
we live on Houndsden road at the bottom of Winchmore hill road. Since Fox lane has been closed the traffic has been forced through our road to go up to Southgate roundabout. the traffic is jammed up, as it is in Aldermans hill, constantly. The road is too small to cope with the level of traffic now attempting to use it as most of it is single lane. There are constant arguments and abuse from drivers blocking the road and we’ve broken up a fight earlier in the year. Where was our voice when the council decided that we could suffer to close other roads, even where those residents didn’t want it and have to sit in jams just to get home to their “quieter” road. We are in constant contact with Healthy streets who appear to be doing precisely nothing. It has distressed all of the residents and we feel helpless. the situation just seems to be getting worse.
The LTN has ruined my life, I live on Cannon Hill with a young toddler. The constant traffic, beeping, road rage, stuck buses and lorries, means it is impossible to get my son to sleep. We can’t open the windows even in the heat of the summer due to the now high pollution levels. I don’t drive, I don’t own a car, I pay the same council tax as all the privileged people who apparently deserve cleaner air at our expense. Tell me HOW IS THIS FAIR??? Who decided my family and my road doesn’t deserve ‘fresh air’? You have basically decided there are people who will be privileged at the expense of us. I didn’t buy my home on a ring road, those in the Lakes Estate knew their roads could be busy.
There are clear links between pollution and many illnesses, including cancer, this decision has meant those on the new ‘ring road’ are now at higher risk. I can’t understand how anyone thinks this is OK. They are either deluded to somehow justify ‘reduced traffic levels’ by pretending the same traffic isn’t just sitting on different roads, or they are not interested in our lives and health, and only interested in those living in expensive houses off fox lane.
Hi Sarah
We truly understand how you feel that’s One Community is fighting against this LTN. If you haven’t already you can you feedback directly to healthystreets@enfield.gov.uk
Thank you for your leaflet regarding fox lane. Why hasn’t broomfield lane been included in this as the traffic on the stretch of road with two double bends is dangerous as they speed round the corners. This has been reported on many occasions. Traffic builds up all the way to traffic lights next to the library. As residents we are fed up with it, not only do we have constant traffic but now fox lane has closed the traffic is building up on broomfield lane. Judging by the information on this leaflet it seems that the focus is towards the lakes side. We need to address the issues in the whole of palmers green if we are all a community!
Hi Penny. thanks for getting in touch. One of the big issues is that Enfield Council failed to take into account the knock-on effect of closing roads outside of the immediate LTN. They refuse to see what’s happening and appear to ignore the voice of those living outside of the LTN. This is one of the reasons why the council should remove the LTN and look again at how traffic can be slowed down and be less polluting. If you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
The LTN is affecting my health, firstly I’m a driver and a cyclist and avoided cycling in Fox Lane as its very bendy and hilly. As a result of LTN in Cretain Roads opposite Broomfield Park and Fox Lane, the traffic in Green Lanes and Aldermans Hill and Hazelwood Lane opposite Fox Lane, the TRAFFIC HAS INCREASED 10 FOLD, causing many residents in non LTN to breathe the extra emissions as traffic is now diverted at the expense of LTN roads. This has to be reversed!!
My sister in law has asked me to write to you on her behalf. She has no internet, like many other people she lives in Southgate and is finding getting around more difficult with the increase in traffic due to cycle lanes and the closure of roads. It has done nothing to help pollution or the flow of traffic. She uses a car and cannot use other means of transport again like so many people. My husband has spent over an hour along alderman,s hill to get to our house in Palmers Green, it is unbelievable. That is because he can not use the side streets. The only benefit of this action has increase the amount of money due to fines that people have incurred due to not understanding the road signs which are not clear and in many cases not necessary.
If you are closing the use of roads can we get a reduction on our road tax? I also agree with these comments, although I have complained before I have not got an acknowledgement, I hope someone will get to read this and make a note of our dissatisfaction. Traffic was not so congested before these ideas of low traffic neighbourhood schemes were introduced. So can we go back to what it was before. I feel more thought should be given and consultation with the public before going ahead with costly and non essential projects. More homes are being built (yes necessary) which will contribute to more traffic and congestion if these schemes are not scrapped.
I hope this will be dealt with as soon as possible.
Hi Catherine. Thanks for getting in touch. One of the big issues is that Enfield Council failed to take into account the knock-on effect of closing roads outside of the immediate LTN. The fact that your sister is finding it so difficult to get around is one of the reasons why the council should remove the LTN and look again at how traffic can be slowed down and be less polluting. If you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
As a life long and committed Labour voter and member, I cannot believe that they have imposed these LTNs which go against all Labour values. It’s a shame that they are damaging the popularity of a party otherwise doing good things. Creating what is effectively a private estate for people with expensive houses by imposing this LTN is unconscionable; we have moved within the LTN and I don’t live on London to have an eerily quiet road- if I wanted that, I’d move to the countryside. The congestion and pollution created on the main roads is terrible. These road closures are intended to deter people from using cars when everyone’s life is planned around car use- how about giving a 5 year warning so that we can consider our life styles? Give every child a school they can walk too. I believe that the cameras are a money tree for the council- why not put up proper no entry signs otherwise? They are deliberately badly sign posted.
Stop the LTN!!
And yet they continue to. build without any signs of a supporting infrastructure. If you haven’t already please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
The people who think that LTNs are the answer to anything must live on an uninhabited island
I’m so pleased someone is doing something. My road and my sisters have become rat-runs with aggressive driving as people speed where they can due to having been held up on congested streets elsewhere.
Why is I can walk down the centre of the LTN estates car free streets, and with mine I have to put up with noise and pollution. I did not buy my house with the road like this, and I would not buy it now. Will the price of my house drop while others see and increase in the value of their property. Would I get compensated for this. Im guessing not.
The LTN is a very bad idea its definitely not working, in the last 2 months its becoming constant heavy traffic on Aldermans Hill , The Bourne, Cannon Hill , The Green /Southgate , Bourne Hill , High Street , you have forced all traffic on these roads it like this most days , and now everyone stuck , cars , buses , lorries, means now all journey times are taking for ever , normally before LTN introduced its tales around 2-3 minutes from Cannon Hill to Green Lane Palmer’s Green , now its takes 10 minutes and over ..
With all this number of vehicles sitting in traffic every days on hours none stop is causing high pollution levels , plus time wasted on setting on traffic even for ones using buses , more flue cost for car owner etc,
There is no justification for the LTN its actually cased bigger problem , you may think to reduced traffic levels’ but have created even more by traffic sitting on different roads, you should come out and see the problem yourself maybe will understand !
The LTN must be scraped , as its not working who ever decide to come up with this ideal must be deluded , this was never planned through properly as what will the impact will be , this scheme not suitable for this area .. as I can’t understand how anyone thinks this is OK and a good idea ..
Hi George. We agree with all the points made but are still waiting for Enfield Council to make a decision. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
Dreadful idea, increases pollution and levels of traffic – as well as causing congestion in otherwise quiet roads. Just another hare-brained idea of a grossly incompetent Mayor.
But the decision to implement the scheme is taken at council level and Enfield Council seem hell bent on keeping the scheme. We have to keep recording the issues and telling everyone what the effects continue to be. In case you are interested and if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
I have witnessed 2 car accidents in the past 3 weeks where drivers are doing sudden u-turns on high street/Cannon hill when they see that traffic is not moving. I can’t believe how much this project has had a negative impact on so many people.
Five minute essential journeys are now taking 20 + minutes.
Pollution is awful.
Traffic noise is up.
Continuous sirens as only one route.
Road rage.
Have stopped using Southgate High street as it’s means being sat in traffic at any time if the day.
Hi Angela. That’s dreadful to hear. We would encourage you to let your local councillors know about the car accidents; it’s really important that they are made aware of what’s happening during this “non-reporting” period since the Let’s Talk system closed. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
Thank you, I thought no one else cared – I received your card through my door today and yes I would like to add my name to this protest about the LTNs.
This scheme is the most stupid thing ever, it is dividing our community. If i want to visit soemone over Fox Lane then I have to drive all the around and go via Green Lanes and Aldermans Hill – And that is such a waste of time – exactly what politicians are good at – divide and rule.
I have lived in Palmers Green for 26 years now and because of this absolute stupidity I am thinking of moving.
If the politicians think this is working for their constituents – the people they are meant to be representing – then it is NOT.
Hi Rasheed. We absolutely agree with you. It’s ill thought out and driving a wedge between people. We are still waiting to hear what the council intends to do about the scheme.In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
Make all 17 roads that were closed one way. If some roads want to be a cul de sac that’s fine but not all 17. This is causing more pollution and needless stress on people’s already stressful lives
HI Matthew – we agree with your comment that the scheme is creating more pollution and stress. The Haringey Ladders has an alternative system for traffic flow which has worked. But the Council seem fixated on keeping this LTN, although a decision has yet to be made by the council. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
Make all 17 roads that were closed one way. If some roads want to be a cul de sac that’s fine but not all 17. This is causing more pollution and needless stress on people’s already stressful lives
HI Matthew – we agree with your comment that the scheme is creating more pollution and stress. The Haringey Ladders has an alternative system for traffic flow which has worked. But the Council seem fixated on keeping this LTN, although a decision has yet to be made by the council. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
I was taking my late father’s belongings to Southgate Auction house. (Yes, covid). On seeing the flower boxed roads I realised I couldn’t cut through, (got caught out on Meadway when this scheme just started) as in my days living in Winchmore Hill, so continued along Fox Lane to cut round. I was met with the sign on the bridge, but surely if I’m allowed in one end of Fox Lane I should be advised it’s a dead end. Incredulous, I carried on as where could I go, but do a u turn with another car behind me… big mistake. NCB in the post. So I will never be using Southgate again for auctions, or coffee shops (my mum loved the few around Southgate by the Orange Tree. Just no point to coming to Southgate anymore.
Southgate RIP.
Hi Miranda. We’re sorry to hear about your father; such a difficult time for you has been compounded by this nonsense that surrounds the area. With regard to the “dead end” question; the road signage used is apparently technically the right one because a dead end or no entry sign would not allow for emergency service vehicles to use the Green Lanes end of Fox Lane. It’s red tape wrapped up with red tape as we believe that a simple No Entry sign with “except for emergency vehicles” would be far clearer and just as acceptable. If you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
This Fox lane closures have made life miserable for people who wish to just go shopping to the local Palmers Green shops. The traffic is crazy and a five minute drive has become 20 to 25 minutes. We hardly ever see any cyclist in the cycle Lane in Palmers Green. The parking spaces have been taken away to make a cycle route. How is local business going to thrive? That is why it looks like a dead street.
The aim is to stop short journeys, but without knowing why/how people get around the LTN is not going to force people out of their cars. It will just create slower and more polluting traffic. If you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
The latest in a long list of bizarre and dysfunctional road decisions by Enfield Council & TfL. The concept of the Green Lanes cycle route is a great idea but the way it has been built is extraordinary – even regular cyclists seem to dislike it as they are often seen riding on the road rather than adjacent cycle lane. The sudden introduction of poorly signposted road blocks on all roads between Alderman’s Hill and Fox Lane may have been done with good intentions but it’s obviously not working. There are massive unintended consequences: crazy congestion on Alderman’s Hill, Green Lanes etc (no need to introduce Haringey-style 20 mph limits – we dream of driving at 20 mph!!!); buses & emergency vehicles unable to flow freely; delivery drivers (and everyone else) forced to do dangerous 3 point turns in tight roads that weren’t designed for that purpose. Local pollution has not been eased, it has been re-distributed and is now extreme – some roads with countryside-clean air and some roads with dangerously high pollution levels (illegally high???). Surely Enfield Council can see it’s not working as they planned. Do we have to wait for asthma attacks, injuries & deaths before the system is scrapped/amended. That’s what had to occurr before the new left-turn lane towards Arnos Grove & Southgate on the North Circular was shortened 4 or 5 years ago. Come on Enfield Council: there’s no shame in trying something but admitting it hasn’t worked (come and see some of my DIY projects!). Don’t stick with it just to save face. Cars are here to stay – they will increasingly become battery powered but even electric cars have to sit in traffic jams.
we agree with all your points Gary (particularly the comments about driving at 20mph!). If you haven’t already, please join us by signing up for the One Community newsletter here https://stopfoxlaneltn.org/get-involved/
Is someone in the council on the take ? Why do we have to suffer ,this has increased traffic and pollution
your guess is as good as ours on that one
Although we live outside the main affected area, we do have good reason to want to visit the affected LTN areas for personal/business reasons. Some of our journey times have effectively doubled as we have to take longer, more circuitous routes to get to our destination(S). One of our friends, who sadly passed away in the summer, lived off Southgate High Street, and, under the current scheme, we were no longer able to access this address via Meadway/Greenway (as these have fallen into the LTN scheme). By the same token, I fail to see why the residents along The Bourne and Southgate High Street have had to pay penalty in the form of increased pollution and traffic, as we have been forced to divert to surrounding roads. Please note that we only very occasional users of taking the Meadway/Greenway
Our visits to the Southgate Green area, with its shops and cafés, have also lessened. This seems inherently unfair on the businesses in the area which have already undergone the double whammy of the economic downturn and the pandemic. They need every help they can get. Again, longer journeys and uncertainties over where to park, which are the direct result of the council’s implementation of the LTN scheme, have been two major contributory factors to this.
This misguided scheme has also had a ‘riple’ effect further afield. My visits to my mechanic in Hawthorn Avenue can typically double from 10 to 25 mins in peak periods, as traffic tends to become very concentrated in certain areas.
The LTN scheme is also very divisive. Surely, there is an unwritten law that, when you live in a city, that you interact as a community which means that citizens are allowed to go about their lawful business without unnecessary impediments. i.e
delivery drivers have to deliver packages, people have to visit relatives (some of which are sick) etc etc. Again, the creating of communities where there is hardly any traffic as opposed to those were there is increased build up has created a culture of haves and have nots.
Do let me know if I can help in any further way,.
We agree with all the points you have raised Jonathan. If you haven’t already please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
Worst thing ever implemented by any council in southgate. Labour out!!
How does making a 3 minute journey take 10 times as long “help air pollution ”
The people who came up with the scheme are clearly morons
We absolutely agree with you Peter. If you haven’t already please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
I am appalled at the chaotic system that has been inflicted not just on the local residents but also their visitors.This is further compounded by the recent and ongoing increase in home delivery vans ,resulting in a dangerous polluted environment with blocked traffic – this is obvious to any one with vision and foresight .
The long waited improvement on public buses does not appear to have happened- it would useful to get official confirmation from TFL about the proposedincrease in service ( has any additional budget been allocated for this – if so could we have breakdown of it) and thenew time table.
We agree with all the points you have raised. If you haven’t already please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
I live in palmers green and am badly affected by fox lane LTN and Bowes LTN on a daily basis. In addition to all the other comments I want to add that since these LTNs were introduced our councillors have held only 1 ward meeting via video conference, They say due to covid. But we’ve been out of lockdown for months and socially distanced meetings have been possible. Where is democracy?
Absolutely Linda. If you haven’t already please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
I have just noticed that Enfield Council is promoting the site London Idling Action in its materials for schools. This site https://idlingaction.london/ explains the pollution produced by idling traffic. Wait a minute – thanks to the LTNs we now have idling traffic on all our main roads, all the time. How can that fit with the council’s ‘Healthy Streets’ policy?
I’m not sure Maggie but please do mention it in your Letter of Objection that needs to be sent to Enfield Council by 11:59pm 11th January 2022. Please email onecommunitystopltn@gmail.com if you need any assistance with putting your letter together
Does anyone know if the data on the trial is avaiable anywhere online? Would love to do some proper analysis on it.
Unfortunately it’s not available at present
I’ve lived in Southgate for nearly 40 years and have always felt confident walking and cycling around the area during daylight or after dark as most of the roads have always had passing traffic and just more life in general. Since the LTNs I have tried twice to walk the quickest route home after dark but found it eerily too quiet now, so have decided to always walk back home via the busy traffic routes as drivers have to now; it takes longer, but I feel safer, even with the extra vehicle fumes… Quiet is not always best……..as a woman of retirement age, having traffic around in the side roads gives a feeling that help is nearby…for the same reason I prefer to cycle on the busy roads, and no longer wish to cut through the roads that are empty of traffic, especially after dark. I am not in a car, so please open up all the roads again so I feel there is life around again. We always teach our children never to take quiet shortcuts, they are not always the safest option……the LTN scheme is misguided.
Hi Catherine
This is so heartbreaking to read. We shouldn’t be making women, girls or anyone feel scared about walking and cycling home. This point however seems to be dismissed by Enfield Council who deny that crime has gone up in the quiet roads even though the police stats show that they have. One Community has now commenced legal action against Enfield Council and we will distributing a leaflet about this showing how you can contribute. in the meantime, DCC Maggie Blyth, Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Coordinator, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has launched an initiative about this and Enfield Police are holding an event on 17th April which may be of interest to you. Please clock on the link for more information: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/walk-talk-enfield-tickets-293014894437?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
I have lived in this neighbourhood for almost thirty years and I am deeply saddened to see the disastrous ways in which the LTNs have altered our lives.
We now have two distinct regions in what was once ‘one’ whole community and the ugly result is that this has created enormous division between people.
Our community was always inclusive and equal but now the LTNs have created distinct areas and this has negative and separatist connotations for the people who live here. As a result of LTNs, certain roads have been cut off but traffic flow has now increased in surrounding streets and children living in these streets are now breathing in significantly higher levels of polluted air – how can this, by any stretch of the imagination, be deemed fair and just?
The more expensive properties and affluent areas are being protected, in terms of noise and air pollution levels, whilst the impact of the LTNs on surrounding areas is being ignored. The whole set-up stinks to high heaven – it is as if the residents and their children who live in surrounding streets are of less value, less importance and simply do not matter in the grand political scheme of things. We all pay our community charges, we all pay our taxes, we are all equally invested in our community.
It is frankly disgusting that arrangements that divide people and create hierarchies and systems of privilege have been allowed to take place. This is a clear case of discrimination, at its most rotten, in favour of the rich! The members of Enfield Council who supported this nasty state of affairs should hang their heads in shame.
Traffic conjestion is considerably increased . Parking is severely restricted since the trial scheme was implemented. Would nimby be very applicable to this scheme.let the implementing operatives try it for themselves. Another waste of Councill money
Dear All,
we live on Houndsden road at the bottom of Winchmore hill road. Since Fox lane has been closed the traffic has been forced through our road to go up to Southgate roundabout. the traffic is jammed up, as it is in Aldermans hill, constantly. The road is too small to cope with the level of traffic now attempting to use it as most of it is single lane. There are constant arguments and abuse from drivers blocking the road and we’ve broken up a fight earlier in the year. Where was our voice when the council decided that we could suffer to close other roads, even where those residents didn’t want it and have to sit in jams just to get home to their “quieter” road. We are in constant contact with Healthy streets who appear to be doing precisely nothing. It has distressed all of the residents and we feel helpless. the situation just seems to be getting worse.