Enfield Council is proposing to remove a right-turn restriction at the junction of Palmerston Road and Kelvin Avenue which was introduced as one of the measures that created the Bowes low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN). However, some residents oppose this change, fearing that it will increase local traffic levels.
Enfield Council is proposing to remove this traffic island in Palmerston Road, designed to prevent drivers from turning right into Kelvin Avenue but allow cyclists through
The Bowes LTN (officially referred to as the Bowes Primary Quieter Neighbourhood) came into force in 2020 and effectively consists of two low-traffic neighbourhoods, east and west of the railway line. East of the railway line a major objective was to prevent Palmerston Road being used as a cut-through by drivers bypassing main roads. This was implemented by closing the junction with the North Circular Road to all but pedestrians and cyclists, reducing traffic along Palmerston Road substantially. But another cut-through used by drivers, to bypass Wood Green High Road and Green Lanes when travelling north, involved turning right out of Palmerston Road into Kelvin Avenue to access Green Lanes just south of the junction with the North Circular Road. The LTN designers closed this off by installing a traffic island in the middle of Palmerston Road to prevent drivers turning right into Kelvin Avenue.
Enfield Council now consider that the fact that Haringey Council subsequently implemented a low-traffic neighbourhood immediately to the south which has further reduced traffic in Palmerston Road means that the right-turn ban is no longer required. The council this week delivered letters to residents in the area informing them of this:
We are proposing to remove the right-turn restriction that is currently in place on Palmerston Road into Kelvin Avenue. In 2020, Enfield Council installed a traffic island on Palmerston Road to stop vehicles turning right into Kelvin Avenue. This was part of a scheme to reduce through traffic in the area. Since then, Haringey Council has introduced additional traffic-reduction measures nearby, which have significantly reduced through traffic in the area. As a result, the right-turn ban into Kelvin Avenue from Palmerston Road is no longer considered necessary.
We are therefore proposing to remove the traffic island and allow vehicles to turn right from Palmerston Avenue into Kelvin Avenue again.
Excerpt from letter posted to nearby residents on 25 February 2026
A draft traffic notice on the council website adds an additional argument in favour of the change - the fact that some drivers are getting round the restriction by executing a U-turn in order to access the junction from the north and turn left (this despite the fact that there is a sign adjacent to the junction specifically banning U-turns):
The Enfield (Prescribed Routes) (No. 2) Traffic Order 2022 (Amendment No. 1) Traffic Order 202*
Statement of Reasons
A banned right-turn (except pedal cycles) from Palmerston Road into Kelvin Avenue was introduced in 2020 as part of measures to reduce through-traffic in the area. A traffic island was installed to support to the ban. Since then, changes to the road network south of the borough boundary have reduced through-traffic volumes, and the traffic island is no longer considered necessary to achieve its original purpose. The Council has also received concerns from residents that the island may be contributing to vehicles performing U-turn manoeuvres. It is proposed to remove the traffic island, associated signage and enforcement infrastructure, and to reinstate the right-turn movement.
The Council considers the proposal to be consistent with its duty under section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic, having regard to local access and amenity considerations.
However, this change is opposed by some local residents, who fear that it will increase the number of cars using Palmerston Road and Kelvin Avenue. Moreover, since the creation of the LTN, Palmerston Road has become an important safe cycling route providing a continuation of the Enfield Town to Palmers Green cycle lanes towards Wood Green.
Jess Rimmington lives in Palmerston Road:
"My flat is right by the junction. Although there was a design fault which meant people have been getting round it by doing U-turns, instead of rectifying it, they're going to get rid of it! This will surely mean we'll go back to the cars racing down here. It has become a lovely cycle route which will be spoilt."
Another local resident, Dan from Kelvin Avenue, is also opposed to the change:
"The council are proposing to remove the no right turn at the top of the street. I hope you will join me in opposing this. Before the traffic island was put in there was constant queuing traffic outside our house pumping in fumes, and also more cars going really fast down the street outside rush hour."
Anyone wishing to object to the proposed traffic order amendment or make other representations must do so by midnight on 22nd March 2026. Any such objection or representation must be made in writing, quoting reference TG52/1609, and must state the grounds on which it is made. Objections may be sent:
Note: This article was revised on 26th February to improve clarity and to remove some misleading information.
