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From speeding and fake number plates to e-bikes on pavements, local people say road safety has become one of Enfield’s biggest concerns.
If you’ve spent any time driving, walking or cycling around Enfield recently, you’ve probably noticed it too. Dangerous driving has become one of the most talked about issues in our community, and it’s something we regularly hear about through Love Your Doorstep. A recent Facebook discussion sparked hundreds of reactions and comments from local residents sharing their own experiences, frustrations and concerns. While road safety has been an issue for many years, many residents feel the situation has worsened in recent years.
Despite Years of Action, Residents Say the Problem is Getting Worse.
Over the past few years, a number of measures have been introduced across Enfield to tackle dangerous driving.
Following pressure from residents, campaigns and community groups, Enfield Council, the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London have implemented a range of initiatives, including borough-wide 20mph zones, average speed cameras along parts of the A10, a High Court injunction banning illegal car meets and “car cruising”, and joint enforcement operations targeting known hotspots.
These measures were introduced with the aim of making Enfield’s roads safer, reducing speeding and tackling antisocial driving.
However, judging by the hundreds of comments on our recent Facebook discussion, many residents feel they simply aren’t having the desired effect.
People continue to report speeding through residential streets, dangerous overtaking, vehicles ignoring one-way systems, illegal parking, delivery mopeds and e-bikes using pavements, suspected cloned or false number plates, and organised car meets. Many say they are witnessing near misses on an almost daily basis.
Perhaps most concerning is that these comments aren’t coming from one part of the borough—they’re coming from people across Enfield. Whether they’re walking their children to school, cycling to work, or simply driving home, many residents say they no longer feel as safe as they once did.
This isn’t about criticising the measures that have already been introduced. It’s about asking an important question:
If residents feel the problem is continuing to worsen, what more needs to be done?
Since the change in administration at Enfield Council, we’ve begun raising these concerns once again. We hope this presents an opportunity to review what’s working, identify what isn’t, and work together on new solutions that genuinely improve road safety for everyone.
At Love Your Doorstep, we’ll continue to be the voice of local residents, ensuring these concerns are heard and keeping you updated on any progress.
Residents Share Their Experiences
The conversation highlighted concerns from people across the borough.
Many spoke about excessive speeding through residential streets, dangerous overtaking, drivers ignoring one-way systems and parking that obstructs visibility.
Others raised concerns about:
One resident described narrowly avoiding a head-on collision after a vehicle overtook another car on the wrong side of the road. Others shared stories of family members almost being knocked over by e-bikes on pavements.
Whether people were drivers, cyclists or pedestrians, one thing became clear — everyone wants to feel safer using Enfield’s streets.
It’s About More Than One Issue
The discussion also showed there isn’t one simple cause.
Some residents believe congestion, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and 20mph zones have led to more traffic using surrounding roads, creating frustration and encouraging risky driving. Others feel speed restrictions and traffic calming measures remain essential to protect vulnerable road users.
There were also calls for stronger enforcement against speeding, dangerous driving and illegally modified or unregistered vehicles.
While opinions differ on the causes, there is broad agreement on one point: dangerous behaviour on our roads needs addressing.
Love Your Doorstep Has Been Raising These Concerns
At Love Your Doorstep, we’ve been highlighting residents’ concerns about road safety with Enfield Council.
Following the recent change in administration at Enfield Council, we’ve already begun raising these concerns again and are encouraged that there appears to be a willingness to look at fresh solutions.
We know this isn’t a new issue, but it is one that many people feel has become increasingly noticeable over the last few years.
As always, we’ll continue to ensure the voices of local residents are heard and keep you updated on any progress.
Have Your Say
What do you think would make Enfield’s roads safer?
Is it more enforcement? Better road design? Greater police presence? More education? Or something else entirely?
Join the conversation on our Enfield Facebook Community and let us know your thoughts.
At Love Your Doorstep, our role is to give local people a voice. We don’t take sides in political debates, but we do listen to residents, raise the issues that matter most, and work with local organisations to help make Enfield a safer, cleaner and stronger place for everyone.