In 2008 works will begin to improve the road layout around Hoe Street in Walthamstow Town Centre. The works will be carried out by Waltham Forest Council, with funding from Transport for London (TfL).

An assessment of the existing traffic conditions in the area by the Council and TfL has shown that buses experience considerable delays as a result of the current layout. The area could also be improved for other road users and pedestrians.

The Council has developed a new design for the road layout in the area to reduce delays for vehicles and improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. This will improve access to Walthamstow Central Station and the Bus Station.

The Council has listened to views from representatives of local cyclists, people with disabilities, pedestrians, taxis and other groups. The Centre for Cycling Excellence at TfL provided advice to ensure the new scheme balances the needs of cyclists with other road users.

The new layout, shown in the plan, will include the following improvements:

• More cycle lanes will be created to allow cyclists a safer journey, and improve access to the Bike Shed in Station Approach.
• New Toucan crossings will be installed for use by both pedestrians and cyclists.
• The area for pedestrians will be increased. Footpaths will be made wider and a new pedestrian area will be created between Selborne Road and Station Approach on the existing northbound bridge.
• The existing southbound bridge will take two-way traffic.
• Selborne Road and Station Approach will become signalised t-junctions with Hoe Street.
• Traffic will be able to turn right from Hoe Street directly into Selborne Road, rather than go through several junctions as at present.
• Improved coordination between all traffic lights in the town centre will allow traffic to flow more evenly.
• The area will benefit from new planters and improved street lighting.

The design for the new traffic scheme has been checked for safety by an independent road safety audit team. Further design work is currently underway, and subject to approvals by Transport for London, construction will begin early in 2008.

For comments or suggestions email traffic.scheme@walthamforest.gov.uk or call Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000. You can view the large scale plans of the scheme at Chingford Municipal Offices, The Ridgeway, E4 6PS.