Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood scheme paused pending review

Enfield Council confirmed on 7 September 2026 that the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood scheme has been paused pending a review. The decision means that the next phase of works, which includes new cycle lanes and pedestrian crossing relocations, is currently on hold. The scheme is funded by Transport for London (TfL), which has allocated £3.65 million for the upcoming phase.

Concerns over scheme changes

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The pause has raised concerns among local groups and councillors about potential changes to the scheme, particularly regarding the proposed cycle lanes. Enfield Conservatives, who now lead the council, had pledged in their election manifesto to remove cycle lanes in eastern Enfield. While not confirmed, it is suggested that cycle lanes planned for London Road and Cecil Road are among the aspects under reconsideration.

Sarah Jons, leader of the Green group on Enfield Council, stated that residents deserve to know the reasons for the pause, the potential costs, and whether external funding is at risk. She added that if parts of the scheme are being pulled, the council should be transparent about what residents will no longer receive. The scheme's aims included making Enfield Town easier to walk and cycle through, greener, safer, and less dominated by traffic.

TfL funding on hold

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A spokesperson for Transport for London confirmed that TfL is awaiting further details from Enfield Council before releasing funding for the next phase. The spokesperson noted that TfL has supported the development of the scheme, which aims to reduce road danger, ease congestion, and improve air quality. They added that the authority needs to ensure the proposals continue to deliver intended benefits for local people. TfL has previously withheld funding from other London councils, such as Tower Hamlets and Croydon, when schemes were not implemented or were scrapped after installation.

The previous Labour administration at Enfield Council had officially approved the works in February 2026, following confirmation of TfL's £3.65 million contribution. The planned works included changes to London Road, Genotin Road, and Cecil Road, a revamp of the area outside Enfield Town Station with new seating and planting, and new traffic restrictions for St Andrew's Road. New cycle lanes were planned for Southbury Road, Genotin Road, London Road, and Cecil Road.

Council response and next steps

An Enfield Council spokesperson stated that the project was paused in May to allow the new administration to be confirmed and for a review to take place. The review found that many elements, including public realm improvements and making roads safer, are strongly supported. However, the review also identified aspects of the design needing further consideration to ensure the next phase balances benefits for all users. Discussions with TfL are ongoing regarding the progression of the scheme and the delivery of the next phase. The council said no final decisions have been made and that further community engagement will be considered once the final scope is determined.

Alex Atherton, from Better Streets for Enfield, expressed the view that the scheme needs to be completed after a lengthy consultation process. He argued that finishing the scheme is vital to increase footfall in the town centre and benefit businesses, and that relinquishing TfL funding would be an unwise move for residents, potentially jeopardising other funding for school streets and pedestrian crossings.