Fulbourne - Forest Road area improvements



We’re exploring ways to improve the area between Fulbourne Road, Forest Road and the Town Hall complex, making it safer, quieter, healthier and easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle.

We’ve devised two traffic management options for the area, and we want to hear what you think of them.

Why are we proposing these options?

The London Borough of Waltham Forest is committed to creating people-friendly streets and neighbourhoods that actively encourage walking, cycling, and using public transport. Walking and cycling for local trips can improve people’s health and the environment, helping to tackle the public health, air quality and climate crises within the borough.

In response to concerns from some residents about the impact of traffic using the Fulbourne - Forest Road area, as part of the Forest Road consultation in July 2023, we engaged with the community to see if these concerns were more widely shared and what improvements people wanted to see. More than 90 people responded, calling for measures to reduce the volume and speed of traffic to make the area safer, quieter and easier to get around.

Since then, we have continued to receive ongoing concerns about issues negatively affecting residents’ quality of life, particularly on the busiest roads where traffic volumes are highest and problems are most pronounced. Automatic Traffic Count (ATC) data shows total daily average vehicle movements of 1,582 on St John’s Road, 1,556 on Clifford Road (near Fulbourne Road), 1,456 on Victoria Road, 1,261 on Clifford Road (near Forest Road) and 1,178 on Brookscroft Road (total in and out). These traffic levels along with high parking demand are causing difficulty passing, increased vehicle conflict, and instances of anti-social behaviour.

We’re now working to address the earlier feedback by working with residents to identify solutions that reflect community needs.

By addressing concerns raised and improving how streets are used, we aim to:

  • Reduce the amount of non-local traffic using residential streets.
  • Improve the look, feel and safety of the streets for all.
  • Improve routes to and from local schools, shops, and local amenities.
  • Encourage people to use sustainable, active and healthy modes of transport.

What are we proposing?

We are looking at ways to improve the area bounded by Brookscroft Road, Fulbourne Road, Forest Road, Spruce Hills Road, and Sturge Avenue. Our aim is to create a safer, quieter, and more pleasant neighbourhood for everyone who lives or travels through the area.

We are currently exploring two potential approaches:

  • Option A


Introducing modal filters to prevent motorists from using local streets as shortcuts. This would help calm traffic, improve road safety, and make it safer to walk, wheel and cycle. Modal filters can also help reduce traffic volumes on residential streets and create a quieter neighbourhood environment. However, this approach would mean some journeys in and out of the area for residents, businesses and visitors who drive may change depending on the route. Parking spaces would need to be removed to accommodate the modal filters and ensure there’s sufficient space for vehicles to turn around. This would result in the loss of 10 parking spaces. If more turning space is required, four additional parking bays may need to be removed.


  • Option B


Changing the direction of traffic flow on certain streets to better manage vehicle movement, reduce congestion and minimise situations where motorists face off on narrow roads. This approach could help improve traffic flow and reduce instances of conflict. However, one-way arrangements will not remove all through-traffic and therefore may not reduce traffic volumes or speeds to the same extent as modal filters. Routes in and out of the area for the people driving will change, but not to the same extent as with modal filters.


In addition, we are considering a number of public space and green infrastructure improvements that would support and complement the options outlined above. These measures cannot be installed in isolation and would only be delivered as part of the wider proposed scheme.

Proposed locations are:

  • Greening and public space improvements at the top end of Sturge Avenue
  • Greening and public space improvements on Victoria Road
  • Continuous footways slow down vehicles entering or exiting side roads and encourage vehicles to give way to pedestrians crossing the road, reinforcing the rules of the Highway Code. We're proposing to introduce these on:
    • Forest Road
    • Victoria Road
    • Crowndale Place
    • Clifford Road
    • Brookscroft Road

Please also note, if the scheme is introduced, it will be on an experimental basis initially. This means the traffic management options will be put in place using temporary materials on a trial basis first, and we will evaluate whether they work or not using traffic monitoring and your feedback.

Then, if they are made permanent, and achieve a sufficient reduction in traffic, we will be able to introduce most of the other measures like the continuous footways and greening.

In addition, to support nearby development works, Clifford Road has temporarily been made one-way northbound. It will remain in place for approximately 18 months.


Example of a rain garden


Example of a temporary modal filter


Example of a permanent modal filter


Have your say

We want to make sure our proposals reflect the needs of the local community, which is why we want to hear your thoughts. Have your say on the plans by completing our survey by 26 July 2026. This short survey should take around five minutes to complete and will ask questions about your experience of current traffic and safety issues, your thoughts on the proposals, and any other comments or suggestions you have about traveling around the area.

To have your say, please complete our survey by one of the following ways:

  1. Complete the survey found at the end of this page
  2. Email or write to us using the contact details below to request a paper copy of the survey
  3. Call 020 8496 5221 and leave a voicemail requesting a paper copy to be sent to you

We are also holding a public drop-in session where you can come and speak to the project team to find out more about the scheme and ask any questions you may have. This will be held at:

  1. Frederick Bremer School E17 4EY, on Thursday 16 July, from 4:30pm - 7pm


Next steps

Once the consultation has ended, we’ll review the responses received and develop a plan based on the project aims, traffic investigations and your feedback. We'll aim to write to residents with more information on the results and the next steps later in 2026.

Contact us

Email: enjoy@walthamforest.gov.uk

Write to: Enjoy Waltham Forest Team, Low Hall Depot, Argall Avenue, Leyton, London, E10 7AS

Call 020 8496 5221 and leave a voicemail requesting a paper copy to be sent to you.


Our aim

Enjoy Waltham Forest’s aim is to create a greener, healthier future, as set out in our Borough Missions and Climate Action Plan. By 2030, we are aiming to be net zero, with 80% of journeys in Waltham Forest being made by walking, cycling, or public transport, well ahead of the Mayor of London’s 2041 targets.

To achieve this, we are making sure our infrastructure is fit for purpose, to make active travel safer and more convenient for everyone. We have already built 56 kilometres of cycle lanes, installed more than 1040 bike hangars, created more than 200 continuous footways, and introduced or upgraded more than 70 formal crossings. These efforts are having a significant impact, with the borough’s Cycle Counter Network recording a 56% increase in cycle journeys between 2017 and 2023, and data from the Department for Transport showing a 6% reduction in the number of licensed vehicles between 2017 and 2022.

Encouraging active travel not only helps us address the climate crisis but also boosts public health. Research shows 42% of adult residents in Waltham Forest do more than 20 minutes of exercise daily, making us the second most active borough in outer London. Regular exercise reduces the risk of major illnesses like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, and can lower the risk of early death by up to 30%. By continuing to invest in these changes, we are creating a cleaner, healthier, and more connected Waltham Forest for everyone.



We’re exploring ways to improve the area between Fulbourne Road, Forest Road and the Town Hall complex, making it safer, quieter, healthier and easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle.

We’ve devised two traffic management options for the area, and we want to hear what you think of them.

Why are we proposing these options?

The London Borough of Waltham Forest is committed to creating people-friendly streets and neighbourhoods that actively encourage walking, cycling, and using public transport. Walking and cycling for local trips can improve people’s health and the environment, helping to tackle the public health, air quality and climate crises within the borough.

In response to concerns from some residents about the impact of traffic using the Fulbourne - Forest Road area, as part of the Forest Road consultation in July 2023, we engaged with the community to see if these concerns were more widely shared and what improvements people wanted to see. More than 90 people responded, calling for measures to reduce the volume and speed of traffic to make the area safer, quieter and easier to get around.

Since then, we have continued to receive ongoing concerns about issues negatively affecting residents’ quality of life, particularly on the busiest roads where traffic volumes are highest and problems are most pronounced. Automatic Traffic Count (ATC) data shows total daily average vehicle movements of 1,582 on St John’s Road, 1,556 on Clifford Road (near Fulbourne Road), 1,456 on Victoria Road, 1,261 on Clifford Road (near Forest Road) and 1,178 on Brookscroft Road (total in and out). These traffic levels along with high parking demand are causing difficulty passing, increased vehicle conflict, and instances of anti-social behaviour.

We’re now working to address the earlier feedback by working with residents to identify solutions that reflect community needs.

By addressing concerns raised and improving how streets are used, we aim to:

  • Reduce the amount of non-local traffic using residential streets.
  • Improve the look, feel and safety of the streets for all.
  • Improve routes to and from local schools, shops, and local amenities.
  • Encourage people to use sustainable, active and healthy modes of transport.

What are we proposing?

We are looking at ways to improve the area bounded by Brookscroft Road, Fulbourne Road, Forest Road, Spruce Hills Road, and Sturge Avenue. Our aim is to create a safer, quieter, and more pleasant neighbourhood for everyone who lives or travels through the area.

We are currently exploring two potential approaches:

  • Option A


Introducing modal filters to prevent motorists from using local streets as shortcuts. This would help calm traffic, improve road safety, and make it safer to walk, wheel and cycle. Modal filters can also help reduce traffic volumes on residential streets and create a quieter neighbourhood environment. However, this approach would mean some journeys in and out of the area for residents, businesses and visitors who drive may change depending on the route. Parking spaces would need to be removed to accommodate the modal filters and ensure there’s sufficient space for vehicles to turn around. This would result in the loss of 10 parking spaces. If more turning space is required, four additional parking bays may need to be removed.


  • Option B


Changing the direction of traffic flow on certain streets to better manage vehicle movement, reduce congestion and minimise situations where motorists face off on narrow roads. This approach could help improve traffic flow and reduce instances of conflict. However, one-way arrangements will not remove all through-traffic and therefore may not reduce traffic volumes or speeds to the same extent as modal filters. Routes in and out of the area for the people driving will change, but not to the same extent as with modal filters.


In addition, we are considering a number of public space and green infrastructure improvements that would support and complement the options outlined above. These measures cannot be installed in isolation and would only be delivered as part of the wider proposed scheme.

Proposed locations are:

  • Greening and public space improvements at the top end of Sturge Avenue
  • Greening and public space improvements on Victoria Road
  • Continuous footways slow down vehicles entering or exiting side roads and encourage vehicles to give way to pedestrians crossing the road, reinforcing the rules of the Highway Code. We're proposing to introduce these on:
    • Forest Road
    • Victoria Road
    • Crowndale Place
    • Clifford Road
    • Brookscroft Road

Please also note, if the scheme is introduced, it will be on an experimental basis initially. This means the traffic management options will be put in place using temporary materials on a trial basis first, and we will evaluate whether they work or not using traffic monitoring and your feedback.

Then, if they are made permanent, and achieve a sufficient reduction in traffic, we will be able to introduce most of the other measures like the continuous footways and greening.

In addition, to support nearby development works, Clifford Road has temporarily been made one-way northbound. It will remain in place for approximately 18 months.


Example of a rain garden


Example of a temporary modal filter


Example of a permanent modal filter


Have your say

We want to make sure our proposals reflect the needs of the local community, which is why we want to hear your thoughts. Have your say on the plans by completing our survey by 26 July 2026. This short survey should take around five minutes to complete and will ask questions about your experience of current traffic and safety issues, your thoughts on the proposals, and any other comments or suggestions you have about traveling around the area.

To have your say, please complete our survey by one of the following ways:

  1. Complete the survey found at the end of this page
  2. Email or write to us using the contact details below to request a paper copy of the survey
  3. Call 020 8496 5221 and leave a voicemail requesting a paper copy to be sent to you

We are also holding a public drop-in session where you can come and speak to the project team to find out more about the scheme and ask any questions you may have. This will be held at:

  1. Frederick Bremer School E17 4EY, on Thursday 16 July, from 4:30pm - 7pm


Next steps

Once the consultation has ended, we’ll review the responses received and develop a plan based on the project aims, traffic investigations and your feedback. We'll aim to write to residents with more information on the results and the next steps later in 2026.

Contact us

Email: enjoy@walthamforest.gov.uk

Write to: Enjoy Waltham Forest Team, Low Hall Depot, Argall Avenue, Leyton, London, E10 7AS

Call 020 8496 5221 and leave a voicemail requesting a paper copy to be sent to you.


Our aim

Enjoy Waltham Forest’s aim is to create a greener, healthier future, as set out in our Borough Missions and Climate Action Plan. By 2030, we are aiming to be net zero, with 80% of journeys in Waltham Forest being made by walking, cycling, or public transport, well ahead of the Mayor of London’s 2041 targets.

To achieve this, we are making sure our infrastructure is fit for purpose, to make active travel safer and more convenient for everyone. We have already built 56 kilometres of cycle lanes, installed more than 1040 bike hangars, created more than 200 continuous footways, and introduced or upgraded more than 70 formal crossings. These efforts are having a significant impact, with the borough’s Cycle Counter Network recording a 56% increase in cycle journeys between 2017 and 2023, and data from the Department for Transport showing a 6% reduction in the number of licensed vehicles between 2017 and 2022.

Encouraging active travel not only helps us address the climate crisis but also boosts public health. Research shows 42% of adult residents in Waltham Forest do more than 20 minutes of exercise daily, making us the second most active borough in outer London. Regular exercise reduces the risk of major illnesses like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, and can lower the risk of early death by up to 30%. By continuing to invest in these changes, we are creating a cleaner, healthier, and more connected Waltham Forest for everyone.

  • Fulbourne - Forest Road area improvements survey


    We’re exploring ways to improve the area between Fulbourne Road, Forest Road and the Town Hall complex, making it safer, quieter, healthier and easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle.

    We’ve devised two traffic management options for the area, and we want to hear what you think of them.

    Have your say on the plans by completing our survey by 26 July 2026. This short survey should take around five minutes to complete and will ask questions about your experience of current traffic and safety issues in the Fulbourne - Forest Road area, your thoughts on the proposals, and any other comments or suggestions you have about traveling around the area.

    If you require a paper copy, please email, call or write to us using the contact details below.

    To get this information in another format such as large print, please contact us using the contact details below.

    Contact us

    Email: enjoy@walthamforest.gov.uk

    Write to: Enjoy Waltham Forest Team

    Low Hall Depot, Argall Avenue

    Leyton, London, E10 7AS

    Call:  020 8496 3000 to speak to Waltham Forest’s contact resolution centre

    Take Survey