So the Labour council has rebranded the Mini-Holland scheme to Cycle Enfield. No doubt they have realised the unpopularity of the scheme they proposed and hope that by changing the name it will make it somehow more acceptable.

By creating segregated cycle lanes at the expense of parking spaces along Green Lanes and Hertford Road this will seriously effect the viability of High Street. The cycling lobby claim that it will improve the viability and refer to cite successful schemes overseas. I have not read anywhere in the scheme a study showing the origin and destination of cycle journeys in the borough.

Furthermore, we must be clear that what is proposed for Hertford Road and Green Lanes is a super highway allowing cyclists to get from home to work (in the centre of town) as quick as possible. Local businesses will not benefit from this scheme.

In addition, the loss of valuable parking spaces along Hertford Road and Green Lanes will create havoc in nearby residential roads. No doubt the Labour council to alleviate the mess they created will then introduce controlled parking zones, forcing residents to pay to park in their own roads, thereby swelling the coffers of the council. How else are they going to pay for the loan they have to take out to pay for their share of the cost of the scheme?

I would urge the Labour council to step back, take a deep breath and start all over again.

Arif Beyzade

Green Lanes, Palmers Green