A controversial cycle scheme faced opposition at a meeting last night.

Enfield Borough Council debated plans for Cycle Enfield at a council meeting at The Civic Centre, Silver Street, on Thursday, January 28.

Opponents including Conservative councillor Terence Neville led the discussion by highlighting issues including potential damage to businesses in Enfield Town if cycle lanes cause traffic to be diverted elsewhere.

They also claimed that in the recent A105 consultation, 211 people who responded and seemed in favour of the scheme were actually from different parts of the country.

The consultation itself received criticism as the public were asked to complete it online, despite many people not having access to computers and finding it difficult to read the proposed plans and maps on a small screen.

Labour councillors who approve the scheme, including councillor Daniel Anderson, hit back and listed cycling’s health benefits, as well as its role in reducing pollution.

They said that the scheme would benefit both cyclists and non-cyclists, with fewer cars on the road and a potential cut in costs for the NHS.

Safety for cyclists was also a key reason for wanting to introduce cycle lanes.

In response to the question about people from outside of Enfield area, supporters said not all those who use the cycle lanes will be from the borough and therefore it was valid to ask any member of the public from around the country.

They also reminded the opposition that Mayor of London, Boris Johnson is also a Conservative MP and has given his full support to the scheme, meaning that it will definitely go ahead.

Graham Swain, a member of the Enfield area conservation committee, believes the scheme’s sustainability needs to be considered in the long term, especially when the money allocated runs out.

He said: “As a motorist, motorcyclist and cyclist, there is no doubt that a change for the better is required on Enfield roads but there needs to be a long-term stability programme in place for traffic from the beginning.”

Enfield Council this week made changes to the A105 scheme after listening to public feedback and will now propose safer cycle routes and more car parking.

The amendments will be decided by councillors in February.