A major disability group has said it is “concerned” about the impact current plans for Cycle Enfield will have on its members.

The A105 branch of the £30m cycle lane scheme, which is planned to run from Palmers Green to Enfield Town via Green Lanes, is currently open to a second round of public consultation after Enfield Council made changes based on public input.

Enfield Disability Action (EDA) say they are worried about a ban on parking along the new cycle routes, including for disability blue badge holders.

They have also criticised plans to have the nearest car parks to Green Lanes – on Lodge Drive and Fords Grove – 360m and 470m from the shops respectively, despite people being eligible for blue badges if they cannot walk more than 50m.

Enfield Council said they will be considering the introduction of designated bays for blue badge holders on the street, and holders will be able to park free in Pay and Display bays, and on both single and double yellow lines for up to three hours.

They will also be allowed to drop off people along the routes, however Lani Parker, project coordinator for EDA, said this “will not work”.

She said: “It does not appear that the needs of people with impairments in the borough, in particular those who live along the route, have been taken into account.

“It was acknowledged through the consultation that those who have blue badges will be disadvantaged by the scheme as there would be less places for people to park safely. It often takes those with mobility impairments longer to get in and out of vehicles.

“This could include a wide variety of people with different impairments including those with learning difficulties, those who are deaf blind and many others.”

Ms Parker also said EDA members with learning difficulties have called the scheme “confusing”, particularly regarding new arrangements for crossing the road when the lanes are introduced.

She said: “It is important for safety that crossings are as visible and accessible as possible. Concerns have been raised about the informality of crossings.

“EDA would like to see these genuine concerns addressed and satisfactory solution found, if not, our membership may seek our support to further challenge these proposals.”

Enfield Council spokesperson Andrew Golder said the A105 scheme will see the number of zebra crossings increase from nine to 15 along the route, and they encourage anyone with concerns or opinions on Cycle Enfield to get involved in the consultation.

He said: “We are absolutely committed to making Cycle Enfield fully accessible for as many people as possible and very much welcome Enfield Disability Action’s input into this process.

“We have previously invited Enfield Disability Action to a workshop to discuss the detailed plans but they were unable to attend, instead the EDA chief executive told us that they would provide us with a short report capturing their views. We haven’t received this yet, but we would welcome further communication with EDA so that we can discuss concerns.  

“Enfield Council is working to help ensure we fully understand the perspectives of the more vulnerable road users during the design process.

“Cycle Enfield will revolutionise our town centres and make a huge positive difference to our borough and it is brilliant news that so many people are showing an interest in our plans.”

For more information on the project, visit cycleenfield.co.uk.