Road signs go walkies

I actually thought the one-way system was a good idea. I rarely drive down those roads but thought a long time ago that they should use the system further down Green Lanes just south of the A406 where the roads are too narrow for two vehicles to pass by. However I also wondered if there were no legally binding traffic management orders in force on the roads and it was an 'informal' arrangement until such time as the council enforced a new scheme.

I hope tht's not the final design for that bit of the LTN, as it appears to be an invitation to rat-runners - confirmed by Basil's observation - rather than a deterrent to them.

Living in one of these roads, I am one of a number of local residents who are supportive of the one way systems becoming permanent. Road rage from drivers trying to pass each other on roads that are plainly too narrow is not fun and we have noticed an appreciable difference for the better except, of course, for those drivers who believe they do need to heed local restrictions and are creating greater danger.

I think Bill's misinterpreted what I wrote. The driver going at 40mph was going in the wrong direction, so particularly dangerous. My observation of our street (Park Avenue) is that traffic probably is a bit lower than it was before lockdown, while outer London traffic levels are now generally higher than they were before lockdown. If that's the case, then the one-way system seems to be having a positive effect.

Drivers going too fast along Park Avenue (in either direction) is still a problem, but I don't think it's any worse than it was before the one-way was introduced. I think speed humps are probably the only way of stopping this.

As Norma has written, the effect of the one-way system on Windsor and Osborne has been very positive. Previously there were angry standoffs between drivers going in opposite directions.

The current situation where signs appear and disappear is confusing for drivers and must be creating a hazard. The council needs to make sure they stay in place or preferably put in permanent signs asap, because even when the signs are in place some drivers regard them as not applying to them and simply drive past the no entry signs.

I think there's little doubt that this element of the Connaught Gardens quieter neighbourhood scheme works well in isolation and will eventually be agreed. I think it should be put in place now, even though the problems of Hazelwood Lane, Chimes Avenue, Callard Avenue, Oakthorpe Road etc still haven't been sorted out (it's about time they were!)

I noticed that "Palmers Green Businesses" have attached a sign to a lamp post in Lightcliffe Road saying "Keep our roads open". So perhaps Palmers Green Businesses, whoever it is, is behind the walking No Entry signs?

We can report some progress on the now-you-see-it now-you-don't one-way system in Palmers Green - a letter from a council officer.

Classification: OFFICIAL - PUBLIC

Dear Residents and Councillors

Thank you for your emails reporting problems with the current arrangement of temporary signs around Lightcliffe Road, New River Crescent, Park Avenue and others. We attempt to respond to incoming emails within 10 working days. I am sorry for not providing you with this email sooner.

I note the concerns and frustration with a temporary system of signage that has ended up in place for an extended period. I have passed on these concerns to the relevant colleague.

My involvement in plans for the area is somewhat historical and mostly confined to the idea of parking controls on Windsor Road. However, the department has now assigned a project engineer to look at traffic proposals in this neighbourhood, and to re-establish effective engagement with the community, starting with some updates planned for later this week.

Regards

Jonathan Goodson
Principal Engineer - Traffic Team
Place Department Enfield Council