It cannot have escaped most people’s notice that Market Square in Waltham Abbey has become a place of traffic chaos on non-market days, with vehicles parked at every angle in what has become a giant, unregulated car park.


To get to their positions vehicles dart across the square from every direction and often at speed. 


For me to cross the square in my electric wheelchair, I literally have to take my life into my own hands.


There are many other pedestrian users of the square who are in danger of being struck down – elderly people pushing trollies, partially sighted individuals, children, people pushing buggies and people using smaller, less manoeuvrable scooters than mine.


The town council appears to have washed its hands of this problem and is seeking a solution from the Highways Agency and the district council. 


The problem appears to have arisen due to damage to two key gates that are proving difficult to replace. 


Temporary chains have led to their own problems through inadequate lighting and highlighting as traffic hazards in their own right.


On market days there have been extra problems. 


In the absence of the market inspector, vehicles have infringed the designated market space at the Highbridge Road entrance and the entry of large lorries and vans has given the square a cluttered and perilous feel.


While the square assumes this new role as a car park, there needs to be significant regulation in the area from wardens and appropriate signage. 


Some drivers seem to think that 20mph is perfectly acceptable as they try to cross the square.


There is an urgent need for 5mph signs around the square and proper supervision.

Vernon Gurtner,
Mason Way, 
Waltham Abbey.