Waltham Forest Council has removed an experimental modal filter in Chingford Mount following strong opposition from residents and businesses.
The traffic restriction between Cherrydown Avenue and Albert Crescent was introduced in June 2025 under an Experimental Traffic Order by the previous Labour administration.
Following the May local elections, the Green Party took control of the north-east London borough council, taking over from Labour.
Council officials cited opposition from local residents, businesses and councillors as the primary reason for removing the scheme. Local traders reported operational issues around deliveries, customer access and staff parking, although council data showed no adverse commercial impact.
Transport for London was unable to reconfigure local bus stops and services within the project’s budget and timeframe, contributing to the cancellation.
MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith welcomed the reopening, saying the scheme caused business disruption and increased journey times.
Cycling advocates, including the London Cycling Campaign, expressed concern, calling the decision a worrying start for the new administration’s active travel policy.
Council spokespersons confirmed there are no plans to remove any other modal filters in the borough.
London Streets has been covering weekend Tube closures and M25 overnight closures today.
