As a resident affected by the recent ban on U-turns at Clayhall Avenue, I am raising this issue to bring attention to its detrimental impact. The ban has not only disrupted our daily lives but also negatively affected local businesses along Woodford Avenue and Clayhall Avenue boundary.

The introduction of a new bus lane, coupled with school traffic, has already increased congestion in our area. Now, with the prohibition of U-turns on Clayhall Avenue, residents are forced to take longer routes which not only increases travel time but also contributes to higher emissions - an environmental concern we cannot ignore.

Furthermore, road safety is becoming an increasing worry as drivers attempt risky manoeuvres due to the lack of a convenient turning point. This is particularly concerning given that children frequent this area due to nearby schools. We also would like to add that there has been no evidence of accidents or serious collisions at this point and no injuries to pedestrians recorded which highlights that the u-turns are more safer to do here than by Clayhall Broadway shops or on clayhall avenue where there is the bus stop and many children around at peak times.

It's also worth noting that these changes seem more like revenue-raising tactics rather than genuine attempts at improving road safety or traffic flow. We have seen an increase in fines issued since this rule was implemented which raises questions about its true purpose. To add further this is not the first time the council has attempted to do this. In 2014 residents and businesses along with our councillors at the time challenged and successfully won to reinstate the U-turn.

We urge Redbridge Council to reconsider their decision and reinstate the U-turn on Clayhall Avenue for the benefit of residents and local businesses alike. It's time we prioritise community convenience over revenue generation while ensuring road safety and environmental sustainability.

Key points to observe how this will affect us residents and businesses.

- Increased congestion on all roads around west of Clayhall Avenue

·  Increased congestion on A1400, Woodford Avenue from Longwood Gardens. In addition to the increase from the new Bus Lanes.

·  Increased risks of injury and affecting safety of school children and pedestrians where volume of traffic is being pushed more towards Glade Primary School, Roding Primary School and Beal High School and many more affected parks or quieter roads.

·  Risks of injury or accidents where U-turns take place on Claybury Broadway by the Shops Or by the bus stops on Clayhall Avenue.

·  Parking already on hillside estate is tight, increase in businesses from opposite trading estates parking here to save time in morning commutes? This happened previously!

·  Journey time, as I mentioned above already can be high with the volume of traffic on Southend Road at peak times but this will increase a lot more.

·  Increase in Air Pollution from standing vehicles releasing more emissions 

Please sign this petition if you believe in restoring our right to make safe and efficient journeys within our own neighbourhood and for our voices to be heard by our local council. Please also share this petition with others that have been affected with this no u-turn ban for journeys to work, hospital needs, local shopping and high street access, schools and many more..