Issues

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This section lists issues - problems on the street network and related matters.

Issues always relate to some geographical location, whether very local or perhaps city-wide.

You can create a new issue using the button on the right.

Listed issues, most recent first, limited to the area of Epping Forest Transport Action Group:

  • New London Plan 2017

    Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread

    London.gov.uk says:

    What is the new London Plan?
    The London Plan is one of the most important documents for this city.
    It's a strategic plan which shapes how London evolves and develops. All planning decisions should follow London Plan policies, and it sets a policy framework for local plans across London.
    The current 2016 consolidation Plan is still the adopted Development Plan. However the Draft London Plan is a material consideration in planning decisions. It gains more weight as it moves through the process to adoption, however the weight given to it is a matter for the decision maker.

    Consultation on the draft London Plan
    Consultation on this plan is open. Comments will be publicly available. After the consultation, comments are reviewed by an inspector and you may be called in to discuss comments at the Examination in Public.

    What is an Examination in Public?
    At the end of the consultation period your comments will be reviewed by the independent Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State to carry out the Examination in Public for the London Plan.
    You may be invited to discuss your comments at the Examination in Public. All comments will be made available to the public at the end of the consultation period. The legal provisions for the London Plan are in Part VIII of the Greater London Authority (GLA) Act 1999 (as amended) in sections 334 to 341. The Examination in Public is covered in Section 338.

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  • Heavy Goods Vehicles Safety Standard Permit /Direct Vision Standard

    Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread

    Tfl says:

    We have undertaken research that shows that in 2015, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) were involved in disproportionately high numbers of fatal collisions with cyclists (78 per cent) and pedestrians (20 per cent) on London’s streets, despite only making up four per cent of the overall miles driven in the Capital. The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) forms part of The Mayor, Sadiq Khan and TfL’s Vision Zero approach to reducing road danger. The DVS categorises HGVs on the level of the driver’s direct vision from the cab.

    We consulted earlier this year on the principles of a new DVS. Listening to the feedback from this consultation and working closely with industry and stakeholders we have now further developed this scheme. The Consultation report and Responses to Issues Raised document from this first phase of consultation are available to view in from the links at the bottom of this text. The responses showed that, in general, there is support for the principle of a Direct Vision Standard.

    We are now seeking your views on proposals to introduce a new Safety Standard Permit Scheme as part of DVS which widens our approach beyond direct vision and includes a safe system approach to allow us to address a broader range of road danger risks.

    The proposed scheme would require all HGVs over 12 tonnes to hold a Safety Permit to operate in Greater London from 2020. HGVs will be given a rating between ‘zero-star’ (lowest) and ‘five-star’ (highest). Only those vehicles rated ‘one star’ and above would be allowed to enter of operate in London from 2020. Zero rated vehicles would only be allowed if they can prove compliance through safe system measures. By 2024 only ‘three-star’ rated HGVs and above would automatically be given a Safety Permit. HGVs rated two star and below would need to demonstrate increased safety through progressive safe system measures.

    The safe system could include specific industry recognised measures such as sensors, visual warnings and comprehensive driver training. The Safety Standard Permit scheme would evolve over time, taking into account advances in technology.

    Detailed information about the scheme and the approach in which we have arrived at our current proposals are set out in the consultation document. A full Integrated Impact Assessment is also included.

    The consultation approach
    We are undertaking a phased consultation approach at key stages of the development of the consultation proposals to implement the Direct Vision Standard:

    Phase 1 (24 January to 18 April 2017) – we set out the case for HGV driver direct vision and consulted on the Mayor of London’s outline proposals to introduce a Direct Vision Standard for HGVs in London and the principles of the Standard itself. The responses showed that, in general, there is support for the principle of a Direct Vision Standard.

    Phase 2a – policy consultation (this consultation) – this current phase of consultation seeks views and feedback on the scheme proposals as outlined above and within the supporting consultation document which includes supporting technical reports including the full Integrated Impact Assessment. Feedback from this phase of consultation will be used to develop a second IIA and finalise the scheme proposals to be included in phase 2b of the consultation.

    Phase 2b - Final scheme proposals and statutory consultation (Spring/Summer 2018) – this final phase will consult on the final proposals for the HGV Safety Standard Permit Scheme, including statutory consultation on the appropriate regulatory measure to ban or restrict HGVs in London under the scheme, subject to UK Government and European Commission support and notification.

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  • London Assembly cycling infrastructure investigation

    Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread

    London Assembly says:

    Our investigation
    Over recent years, TfL policy has increasingly focused on the construction of physical cycling infrastructure on London’s roads. A change in direction towards more segregated infrastructure followed our report in 2012 recommending this approach.

    Our investigation will cover the full range of cycling infrastructure in London, with a particular focus on:

    Cycle Superhighways: a form of cycle lane, designed to make cycling safer by helping keep cyclists away from general traffic, and offer direct and continuous cycling on major routes.

    Quietways: a network of cycle routes that link key destinations, improving safety and convenience through small-scale interventions.

    Mini-Hollands: TfL schemes to invest neighbourhood-level improvements in walking and cycling, involving a range of interventions in each area.

    Cycle parking: provision of parking spaces on-street, at stations or in dedicated parking facilities.

    It is important that TfL is able to establish the effectiveness of the infrastructure it installs on London’s roads. We are concerned that to date there has been no comprehensive study of the new infrastructure’s impact on cycling safety, modal share and other road users.

    Questions to answer:

    1. What progress on new cycling infrastructure has been made under Sadiq Khan, and what are his long-term plans?
    2. Has TfL resolved the problems that delayed some cycling schemes under the previous Mayor?
    3. Has segregation delivered the anticipated benefits on the Cycle Superhighways? How many cyclists are using these routes?
    4. To what extent has segregation had negative consequences for other road users and, if necessary, how can this be mitigated?
    5. Have Quietways delivered their anticipated benefits? How many cyclists are using them?
    6. What are the differences in infrastructure between inner and outer London? How can TfL ensure infrastructure in different areas is sufficient and appropriate to the location?
    7. How will TfL’s new ‘Strategic Cycling Analysis’ help determine where and how to invest in infrastructure?
    8. How appropriate is the 400-metre target set in the draft Transport Strategy? Can we equate proximity with access?
    9. Is TfL’s approach to public engagement working effectively to improve scheme designs and meet stakeholder needs?
    10. Are Londoners sufficiently aware of the cycling infrastructure available to them, and how can awareness be increased?
    11. How is TfL using infrastructure to attract a more diverse range of people to cycle in London?
    12. Is there sufficient cycle parking in London, and is it in the right locations?
    13. How are the lessons of the Mini-Hollands and other previous cycling schemes being applied elsewhere?
    14. Should cycling infrastructure be oriented toward longer-distance commuting journeys, or more localised trips?

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  • Hillhouse to Amwell Court (scheme 19)

    Created by George Lund // 1 thread

    Provide direct links between three residential areas and the King Harold Business and Enterprise Academy School. This would be a direct cycling and walking route linking Schemes 4 and 7 and east Waltham Abbey with the north of the town, currently it is not possible to access these locations via direct links.


    * Provide a direct cycle route link between potential scheme 7.1, residential areas and the King Harold Business and Enterprise Academy School.
    * On-road section from Hillhouse to Cullings Court.
    * Off-road section through to Brickenden Court.
    * On-road section along Mason Way.
    * Off-road route through to Stonyshotts.
    * Short on-road section along Stonyshotts.
    * Off-road section through to Amwell Court.

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  • Honey Lane (scheme 18)

    Created by George Lund // 0 threads

    Epping Forest Cycling Action (2018) scheme 18 proposes:


    Creation of new mandatory cycle lanes in both directions along Honey Lane, from Old Shire Lane to Shernbrook Road (North). Existing carriage way is 9m width in places but not for whole extent, reducing to 5.5m in other locations, so potential width issues. Some potential to increase width at eastern end of Honey Lane, although this will create lane ownership issues. Extends potential scheme 8 (advisory cycle lanes) and links to potential scheme 7.


    EFTAG is not in favour of mandatory cycle lanes without segregation, as these are widely abused, are not enforced, and do not afford safety to users. Only schemes that separate a cycle track with kerbs (where possible), wands or using the 'hybrid cycle track' approach will attract our support on busy urban roads such as this.

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  • Monkswood Avenue (scheme 16)

    Created by George Lund // 0 threads

    Epping Forest Cycling Action Plan (2018) scheme 16 proposes:


    New signed on-road quietway along Monkswood Avenue, between Crooked Mile and Windsor Wood. Create a new off-road link between Monkswood Avenue and Broomstick Hall Road, possibly utilising existing footpath* (PROW 211_104) and Windsor Wood. Note change of level here makes a new link difficult. Alternatively, could consider implementation of cycle wheeling ramps along edge of existing staircase. Feasibility study required to determine provision. The junction at Monkswood Avenue/Sewardstone Road is large and problematic in terms of previous collisions, a workshop will be required with relevant teams (including Network Assurance, and Traffic Signals Team) to identify potential improvements. Provision of ASLs and advance pre-green for cyclists would be beneficial, although width of Monkswood Avenue carriageway is problematic for cyclists at this junction).

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  • Sewardstone Road (scheme 15)

    Created by George Lund // 0 threads

    Epping Forest Cycling Action Plan Scheme 15 proposes:


    Provide new on-road advisory cycle lanes, from Meridian Way/ Dowding Way roundabout along Sewardstone Road to The Market Square Surgery/ Health Centre by removing central hatching/centrelines and reallocating roadspace. Route continues along Rue de St. Lawrence, and along existing two way cycle track on Quaker Lane until Sun Street.


    Previous proposals included an off-road unsegregated shared-use route for pedestrians and cyclists, from Sewardstone to Waltham Abbey Cemetery, replacing the existing footway. Routes via Gunpowder Park could also be signed.

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  • Abbeyview shared-use path (scheme 13)

    Created by George Lund // 1 thread

    Provide improvements to the existing footways alongside Abbeyview and Parklands, to create an unsegregated shared-use route for pedestrians and cyclists, to improve Non-Motorised User accessibility and connectivity for residents to the eastern part of the River Lee Country Park and the eastern side of Waltham Abbey.



    * An off-road segregated route for pedestrians and cyclists, replacing the existing footway, extending the Parklands scheme (2.1 ) westwards to link with scheme 1.3 .

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  • Parklands shared-use path (scheme 12)

    Created by George Lund // 0 threads

    Epping Forest Cycling Action Plan 2018 scheme 12) proposes:


    New off road segregated cycle track to meet minimum width requirements for pedestrians and cyclists along either side of Parklands, replacing the existing remote footway between Parklands roundabout and Ninefields. In the Epping Forest District Local Plan there is an area allocated for development called “Waltham Abbey North Masterplan Area” which could be a primarily residential development with an element of employment north of Parklands. Therefore a potential route along this road would be beneficial to any future development.

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  • Meridian Way (NCN1) to Abbey View (CAP2018 scheme 10)

    Created by George Lund // 1 thread

    Epping Forest Cycling Action Plan (2018) scheme 10 proposes:


    Extend existing cycle route that currently terminates at Leaview with a new on-road signed quietway along Leaview and Powdermill Lane. Continue route with a new off-road cycle track parallel with and to the north of Abbeyview. New toucan crossing of Abbeyview to be provided to enable link to potential scheme 13.


    This seems like a particularly important link and would connect with Scheme 20, which proposes to upgrade existing pelican crossings
    to toucans at A121/ Beaulieu Drive junction and upgrade existing zebra crossing to a tiger crossing west of Abbeyview Roundabout.

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  • NCN Route 1 to Sun Street (CAP2018 scheme 9)

    Created by George Lund // 0 threads

    Epping Forest Cycling Action Plan (2018) scheme 9 proposes:


    Create a new segregated 5m wide shared use route for pedestrians and cyclists, E-W across Townmead Recreation Area, between Meridian Way (NCR1) and Orchard Gardens. Route continues along new signed quietway along Orchard Gardens, Town Mead Road and Fountain Place. Consider either a two way working of Silver Street for cyclists, with a new northbound cycle contraflow which would enable access to town centre at Leverton Way via an upgrade of the Zebra crossing to a Tiger crossing, or a route along Sewardstone Street, connecting with Quaker Lane. There could be an opportunity for this section of Quaker Lane/Leverton Way to become an improved public realm exercise.

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  • Honey Lane - Leverton Schools to Roundhills (CAP2018 scheme 8)

    Created by George Lund // 0 threads

    Epping Forest Cycling Action Plan 2018 scheme 8 proposes:


    New on-road advisory cycle lane (may involve removing centre line and kerbside parking) between Roundhills and Leverton Schools, enabling potential scheme 5 to be connected to potential schemes 6 and 18. As Sustrans recommends physical segregation in this section due to high speeds traffic management will need to be implemented to reduce traffic speeds in order for an advisory lane to be satisfactory. There could be an option to cut the corner of Farm Hill Road and Honey Lane through the current access for the Play Area which would require a new bridge over Cobbin’s Brook and a new off-road cycle track alongside the War Memorial.


    EFTAG is skeptical that speed reduction will be enough to make an unsegregated scheme feel safe. Mandatory lanes with wands would take up the same road space as the proposed advisory lanes.

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  • Quietway network north of Honey Lane (schemes 6 and 7)

    Created by George Lund // 1 thread

    Schemes 6 and 7 from the Epping Forest Cycling Action Plan. Quietway network north of Honey Lane and south of Abbotts Drive.


    6 - New signed quietway network on Abbotts Drive/Winters Way/Skarnings Court, linking to an existing surfaced lit route which then runs down along the southern side of the watercourse along to where it Links to potential scheme 9 at Hillhouse.

    7 - New E-W on-road signed quietway along length of Farthingale Lane residential area from Stoney Bridge Drive, and Mason Way (linking to potential route 6).

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  • Brooker Road to Rochford Avenue and Roundhills (CAP2018 scheme 5)

    Created by George Lund // 1 thread

    Epping Forest Cycling Action Plan 2018 scheme 5 proposes:


    New signed quietway route between Abbey Mead Industrial Park, passing Tesco, to Honey Lane via residential roads. Quietway route follows residential roads of Brooker Road (giving access to Abbey Mead Industrial Park), Greenfield street, King George Road, Sewardstone Road (giving access to supermarket) and Denny Avenue. At its eastern extent, consideration should be given to converting* the existing footpath (PROW 211_109) between Denny Avenue and Elm Close to shared cycle use if possible (as a desk based study potential width issues would need to be addressed, both at Elm Close (land ownership issues) and at Denny Avenue (possibility to route through existing garage if property could be obtained), otherwise for this section, cyclists must dismount and continue on foot. Quietway route then continues along Elm Close, Larsen Drive, Rochford Avenue and Roundhills to Honey Lane. Consideration must be given to providing or upgrading to cycle friendly crossings outside of Tesco at Sewardstone Road.


    This seems to be a crucial route connecting homes, employment, shopping and schools. The crossings are crucial to making it useful and safe, but if the footpath could not be incorporated then an alternative route would be necessary.

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  • NCN Route 1 link to Sewardstone Road

    Created by George Lund // 1 thread

    Existing routes between NCN Route 1 and Sewardstone Road through Gunpowder park are poorly signed. The southernmost route is prone to flooding. Some routes shown on OS maps do not actually seem to exist (there is a travellers site in the middle?).


    Connects NCR1 (Sustrans NCN1) with Epping Forest and Loughton via Mott Street and High Beech (High Beach).

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  • Sun Street and Quaker Lane (CAP2018 schemes 1 and 2)

    Created by George Lund // 1 thread

    Sun Street is currently a pedestrian zone in Waltham Abbey town centre.


    Epping Forest Cycling Action Plan scheme 1 proposes:


    Allowing cycling could improve accessibility. An Experimental TRO may be useful to try allowing cycling only in
    peak periods as a trial before potentially making access permanent.


    Scheme 2 proposes:


    Provide a new advisory cycle lane along Quaker Lane from Leverton Way to Sewardstone Road, connecting potential scheme 1 to potential scheme 15. May require removal of centre-line and signage. In addition, further investigation required to connect existing two way cycle track at eastern end of Quaker Lane with new provision.


    EFTAG comment: Scheme 2 would not work without a 20mph speed limit and parking restrictions. Hybrid cycle tracks might be more appropriate. Routes via Sun Street (scheme 1) would be preferred in terms of signage/wayfinding.

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  • Chigwell Lane / Loughton Broadway (Debden)

    Created by George Lund // 0 threads

    Work is nearly complete on the new road layout near Debden station. This was paid for as part of the construction of the new "Epping Forest Shopping Park" off Langston Road.

    It has no cycling facilities at all. The road layout may be a little safer, as the busy mini-roundabout is being replaced with traffic lights. But the short sections of shared-use footway on Chigwell Lane / Rectory Lane have not been joined up. And the road is much wider - multiple lanes in each direction, which at off-peak will encourage fast driving, and the rest of the time will be deeply unpleasant to cycle in.

    Cycling to the new retail park needs to be encouraged, and safe routes from both Loughton and Chigwell should be connect along this key corridor.

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  • London Assembly investigation: Walking & Cycling at Outer London Junctions

    Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread

    London Assembly says:

    Our investigation
    What different approaches could TfL and London boroughs take to improve junctions and increase walking and cycling in Outer London?

    Small pockets of improvement don’t change the fact that most London streets are dominated by traffic and noise. They are hostile places even to step out into for a pint of milk.

    On behalf of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Caroline Russell AM is investigating how our streets and junctions can become more people-friendly.

    Get involved
    There are a number of specific questions the Committee is seeking to answer. Please address any questions where you have relevant views and information to share, and feel free to cover any other issues you would like the Committee to consider.

    Are there lessons to be learned from previous junction improvements?

    How can we enable more people to walk and cycle?

    How can we make our streets and junctions less hostile to people getting around by bike and on foot?

    How do you get all road users on board?

    Please email transportcommittee@london.gov.uk by August 11 and share the investigation on Twitter using #OuterLondonJunctions

    Key Facts
    The Mayor and TfL are promoting walking and cycling as a form of active travel and a way to reduce health inequalities - however, currently, over 40 percent of Londoners fall short of the recommended 150 minutes of activity per week.

    TfL research has found that people who live in Outer London tend to walk less than those who live in Inner London. Public transport coverage is lower and car ownership is higher in Outer London, with cars making up a larger share of journeys. In particular, people who live in Outer London are less likely to walk children to school, walk to see friends or relatives, and walk to pubs, restaurants and cinemas.

    In 2015:
    53 percent of Inner Londoners walked at least five journeys a week, compared to 35 percent of Outer Londoners
    47 percent of Inner Londoners walked as part of longer journeys on other forms of transport at least five times a week, compared to 41 percent of Outer Londoners

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  • Charlie Brown’s Roundabout

    Created by George Lund // 2 threads

    Transport for London are "proposing improvements for pedestrians and cyclists by providing signalised shared ‘Toucan’ crossings for pedestrians and cyclists on all four arms of Charlie Brown’s Roundabout. Presently there are no signalised crossings at the roundabout. Pedestrians and cyclists using the existing un-signalised informal crossing points need to wait for a safe gap in the traffic to cross, which can be difficult at times and make them feel unsafe."

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  • Rumble strips instead of paint

    Created by Simon here // 2 threads

    Complete separation of cyclists and cars can't always be achieved. To make sharing of the road safer I would like to propose using rumble strips instead of flat paint to separate the bike lane from the rest of the road. It would act as a physical reminder for car-drivers that they are encroaching the bike lane. This happens particularly near pinch points like road bends or crossroads. So even just a selective application of rumble strips could have a very positive effect, I believe. What's the view of the cycling community? Has it been tested?

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