Waltham Forest Council are widening the borough’s footpaths to make social distancing easier for pedestrians and cyclists.

Parking bays in four busy areas were temporarily suspended at the start of May and the Council is “investigating a number of other locations” that could follow suit.

Measures are currently in place in Leyton High Road and Church Lane, Wood Street, Cann Hall Road and Higham Hill Road.

Where possible, parking for the disabled, businesses or deliveries will continue to operate.

Read more: Controversial Mini-Holland celebrates five-year anniversary

Deputy Leader Cllr Clyde Loakes said: “Over the last 5 years, Waltham Forest has led the country in re-prioritising our road space away from the motor car and in favour of pedestrians and cyclists.

“We want to continue to embed the significant behaviour change we were seeing in Waltham Forest before the coronavirus pandemic hit and the huge and positive behaviour changes that have occurred over the last 6 weeks or so.

“That behaviour change has seen a 97% increase in cyclists on Lea Bridge Rd for example - the appetite and willingness is clearly there!

“It’s clear Waltham Forest is providing the leadership and blueprint for the rest of the country to follow.”

Yesterday, the Government released its Safer Travel Guidance, encouraging the public to walk or cycle to reduce pressure on public transport and the roads during the pandemic.

The Council’s Enjoy Waltham Forest project, funded by TfL and the Mayor of London, has sought to improve the borough’s streets for pedestrians and cyclists.

It is one of three “Mini-Holland” schemes in London, which aim to create cycleways, reduce traffic in residential areas, improve town centres and install cycle hubs at stations by 2021.

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