NEW ENFIELD COUNCIL LETTER TO BE SENT BY SUPPORTERS

Suggested email for objection to, proposed Bowes Road bus lane:

To: traffic@enfield.gov.uk

CC: cllr.paul.pratt@enfield.gov.uk, cllr.adrian.grumi@enfield.gov.uk and info@bowesroadcommunity.co.uk

Subject: Opposition to proposed Bowes Road bus lane  

To whom it may concern,

OBJECTION TO – PROPOSED BUS LANE ON BOWES ROAD (N11 1AT)

The creation of a bus lane on Bowes Road will have a massive impact on the local residents. Residents who live on the road and local communities will have less place to park their vehicles on an already very congested road.

The traffic in the area is already very congested due to new LTN’s put in place by the Council, more people are being forced to use Bowes Road as a means of getting through the area. The impact of ULEZ and people coming into the area instead of heading South off the North Circular. Traffic being routed off the North Circular up Station Road, Along Friern Barnet Road and then down Bowes Road to cut out congestion

By enforcing the bus lane to be operational between 7am-7pm; the impact of the traffic on this road and the surrounding roads will be unbearable for both road users and local residents.

The residents parking bays are used before 11am and after 12pm by:

1. Dental patients of Perfect Teeth at 324 Bowes Road

2. Doctor's surgery Arnos Grove Medical centre at 269 Bowes Road

3. Commuters who leave their vehicles to take the tube at Arnos Grove Station

4. Public using the Arnos Swimming Pool at 269 Bowes Road

5. Public using Bowes Road Library at 269 Bowes Road

6. Public using the local Pub, Arnos Arms at 338 Bowes Road

7. Match days (Arsenal supporters) public leaving their vehicles to commute to the match from Arnos Grove Station

It is clear that this is an ill-thought-out scheme made by somebody who hasn't studied the traffic flow on Bowes Road and roads which feed into and connect to it. One that will only be roughly 100 metres long. 

It is already difficult to park for residents, especially now as TFL are removing our car parks and building new houses on this space. Where exactly are we to park? 

The bus lane is going to be extremely dangerous to any household with a drive, not only will they have to manoeuvre the bus lane but also another two lines of traffic. Plus, there is no way that Bowes Road N11 1AT can accommodate 3 traffic lanes. This is not the North Circular Road. This is a residential road, one that many of this part of Bowes Road have owned their house for over 30 years. I am shocked that such a proposal has been put forward.

The possible creation of a bus lane on Bowes Road poses several questions:

Where would delivery drivers load and unload parcels, heavy goods or groceries etc. This is especially important for residents who are unable to commute to the shops due to their disabilities.
The Arnos Swimming Pool car park is currently being used by commuters using Arnos Grove Station as there are no restrictions in place
What data was used by TFL to consider this a suitable location? 
The phasing of the traffic lights needs urgent amending on both sets of lights at Bowes Road and further down to relieve congestion.  Will this be done? 
There is currently no allocated parking for the flats being built on the Arnos Grove TFL Car Parks, this will increase demand for parking in the area significantly.  Where are they going to park? 

Outlined below is a list of objections which I feel are relevant and need serious consideration.

• No stopping while turning right onto A406 yellow box junction. From Telford Road (northbound lane) onto Bowes Road (eastbound lane).
• I don't believe that the phasing of the traffic lights has been considered as a method to achieve the objectives of this bus lane.
• I don’t believe the yellow box area at the bottom of Bowes Road is enforced where HGV’s and other vehicles idle and block the progress of traffic from Bowes Road.  Enforcement of this area should be considered before the creation of a bus lane.
• A significant number of residents on Bowes Road are elderly, their carers can currently park near their houses.  The bus lane will reduce the amount of time carers have with clients as they spend time looking for a place to park
• Disabled bays are required for residents with a disabled badge.
• Heavy goods vehicles accessing the Arnos Grove Station Car Parks for their redevelopment is going to increase traffic and pollution in the area. 
• Heavy buses will cause major damage to the road and our properties as they will be closer.
• Noise levels will increase.
• Enfield Council and TFL shouldn't be funnelling all traffic through Bowes Road. 

Should a decision be made to create this bus lane and not support the views of local residents, I would request that the following concessions be made: 

• Noise and pollution amelioration measures need to be introduced in the form of speed restrictions, humps, speed tables, cameras, noise reducing road surface.
• Amend the operational time of the bus lane
• More parking bays needed
• CPZ time change to 8:30am to 6:30pm Monday-Sunday
• Add loading bays for deliveries 8:30am to 6:30pm Monday-Sunday
• Resident Permits price shouldn't be based on engine CC amount
• Remove yellow box junction at Arnos Road
• Keep free parking on Arnos Road
• Risk assessment needed for local residents and school children
• Traffic calming measures including speed limit change
• More CCTV needed in the local area for crime
• Open Seafield Road to allow residents of Seafield Road, Arnos Road & Bowes Road access only.

Yours faithfully,

(Enter full name and full address)