A residents' group is attempting to put the brakes on the council's flagship, £33million Mini Holland cycling scheme by launching a legal challenge over a failure in the consultation process.
In March, Waltham Forest council made a series of Road Traffic Orders (RTO) in preparation for the scheme, which will see major changes to the road network.
The first of the roadworks have now begun, with access being blocked for one-way systems and traffic flow alterations.
However, E17 Streets for All group challenged the authority over the consultation process.
It was then revealed by the council’s legal team that orders relating to East and West Avenue in Walthamstow would be revoked as the process was not conduction properly.
According to E17 Streets For All, the Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Associations were not consulted, as required by law.
The group launched legal action against the council and is now calling for the road closures to be lifted.
A spokeswoman for the group called it an ‘embarrassing setback’ for the council.
She said: “This decision comes in response to our legal action and throws the Council's timetable for introducing their scheme into disarray.
“The effect of this decision is that the road closures currently in place, in East and West Avenues, are unlawful, and we are calling on the council to reopen those roads immediately."
However, the authority has already stated it will reissue the orders and continue with the scheme.
Deputy leader of the council and architect of the scheme, Cllr Clyde Loakes, said: “Traffic closures put in place in Walthamstow Village for the Mini-Holland Programme will proceed along the two Walthamstow Village East and West Avenue bridges, converting them into public spaces allowing for safe pedestrian and cycling access.
“We are remaking the traffic orders due to a minor procedural matter on the existing traffic order and to take into account small changes to the planned works, the road closures will be going ahead lawfully as planned.”
The Mini Holland scheme has divided the community, with opponents claiming it would cause congestion and prevent access to businesses, while others say it is necessary to improve safety for cyclists and create a cleaner environment.
Designs for mini Holland in the Village area
Mini Holland plan for Walthamstow Village
- Orford Road will be closed to vehicles between Wingfield Road and Eden Road (except buses)
- Close Eden Road junction with Orford Road
- Close Eden Road just south of its junction with Grosvenor Rise East
- Close Grosvenor Rise East, east of Eden Road
- No entry to southbound vehicles on Wingfield Road south of Arden Mews
- Second Avenue – one-way westbound and Third Avenue – one-way eastbound
- Close East Avenue and West Avenue bridges at the junction with St Mary’s Road
- Introduction of a right turn ban from Shernhall Street into Church Lane between 8am to 9:30am
- Introduction of further traffic calming on Vestry Road and improvements to its junction with East Avenue
Changes to traffic direction
- Orford Road – one-way eastbound between Wingfield Road and Eden Road
- Beulah Road – one-way northbound between Grosvenor Rise East and Addison Road and two-way between Addison Road and Orford Road
- Addison Road – two-way between Comely Bank Road and Beulah Road
- Eden Road – two-way for its entire length
- Grosvenor Rise East – two-way between Eden Road and Beulah Road
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