Waltham Forest Council is to remove an unpopular traffic restriction in Cherrydown Avenue, described as a ‘cash grab’ by opposition councillors, following a nearly 18-month long consultation, reports Marco Marcelline
Waltham Forest Council has confirmed it will remove an unpopular traffic restriction at Cherrydown Avenue from Monday 12th October, following feedback from residents, local businesses and ward councillors.
The restriction, introduced by the ex-Labour administration under an experimental traffic order (ETO) last year, was designed to test the impact of limiting vehicle access between Cherrydown Avenue and Albert Crescent.
But after a statutory consultation period which started in June 2025, the council says concerns about “congestion, accessibility and knock‑on traffic effects in surrounding streets” were central to its decision to remove the ETO.
“We have listened to those concerns and taken direct action as a result,” the council said in a Facebook post about the move.
Local Conservatives had opposed the move to implement a traffic restriction at Cherrydown Avenue for some time, and Chingford and Woodford Green MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith celebrated the news of it being lifted.
In a post on his Facebook page he said: “After months of campaigning against this revenue-driven [restriction], I am pleased that the council has finally listened to our concerns and reopened Cherrydown Avenue to traffic.
“The temporary closure of Cherrydown Avenue from Albert Crescent led to longer journey times, reduced footfall for businesses on the Mount, and significant disruption across the wider community. It was clear that this scheme did not work.
“Together, we have stood up for our local high street. Reopening the avenue will help ease congestion, improve access for residents, and support businesses in Chingford Mount.”
Although the traffic restriction is being lifted, wider improvements to Albert Crescent will continue. Funded through the Local Regeneration Fund, the council will deliver new planting and green landscaping, additional seating, improved signage, and repairs and resurfacing across the area.
Further design details will be shared with residents, businesses and ward councillors ahead of construction, with completion expected in 2027, the council has said.
The Albert Crescent works form part of a broader programme of investment across Chingford Mount. Upgrades on Old Church Road are already underway, and improvements at Chase Lane Park and Memorial Park – including the refurbished café and community space in the Pavilion building – have recently been completed.
The council says these projects aim to create a “more attractive, welcoming and accessible” town centre.
Existing fines issued under the Cherrydown Avenue restriction will still apply up to Monday 12th October, after which enforcement will be suspended.
Find out more about the plans to remove the restriction here
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