Enfield Council has written to businesses located along the A105 (Enfield Town-Bush Hill Parade-Winchmore Hill-Palmers Green) to reassure them that when implementing the "Mini-Holland" cycling scheme it will be taking account of their concerns about car parking, deliveries, bus services and accessibility for elderly and disabled customers.
The letter from the Council also promises special consultation events for businesses and outlines the remaining steps in the consultation and planning process.
The consultation phase that began with the various "exhibitions", such as that held at the Fox, is continuing. The "opportunity plans" and street cross section concepts that were on show at the exibitions are now available online and members of the public still have time to comment on these. (We shall be publishing a separate article with more details.)
The thinking behind "Cycle Enfield"
The letter to businesses explains that encouraging cycling is expected to have benefits for non-cyclists too, such as cleaner air, reduced congestion and less demand on car parking capacity.
People will continue to use private cars, but the scheme will aim for a better balance between the needs of drivers and those of people who walk or travel by bus or bicycle. People of all ages should have the option of cycling in safety along main roads to access the key amenities that are located along them.
Addressing concerns about parking and loading
The Council acknowledges the concerns among the business community arising from the concept designs that were included in the original December 2013 "Mini-Holland" bid documentation. The "multiple options" that are currently being looked at will address concerns about parking, loading/unloading and access for elderly and diaabled people.
Parking is important for successful high streets and the Council will try to retain as much of the existing provision as possible. Measures to increase the popularity of council-run car parks will include improved security and possibly lower charges.
Loading is recognised as being "critical" to businesses, and again the Council will attempt to retain the current level of provision.
A related question that will be addressed concerns elderly and disabled people who need to be dropped off and picked up by car or taxi as near as possible to the businesses they are visiting.
Special consultation arrangements for businesses
Following the exhibitions based around concepts, the Council will be developing more detailed "second stage" designs covering the entire length of the planned trunk cycle routes. These will be shown at public events over the summer, but there will also be a separate event for business owners and landlords along the routes. The business event will include pre-bookable one-to-one appointments to discuss specific issues.
Following this, final design proposals will be developed. At this point the formal consultation process will begin, involving businesses as well as residents.
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