Hundreds protest as roads close for ‘Mini-Holland’ cycle-friendly scheme

Hundreds of people joined a protest against London’s first cycle-friendly “Mini-Holland” scheme, claiming the road closures it entails are causing gridlock and “suffocating” business.

They gathered outside Waltham Forest town hall as councillors debated the £30 million project, which has divided locals and politicians.

Waltham Forest is one of three boroughs, alongside Enfield and Kingston, sharing almost £100 million from Transport for London to pioneer the Dutch-inspired vision. It aims to make town centres safer and more pleasant, and encourage walking and cycling.

But protesters claim businesses have seen their profits cut by up to 50 per cent since two roads closed in Walthamstow Village in the first phase.

Further changes in the next two years will include a segregated cycle superhighway installed along Lea Bridge Road and the introduction of a number of 20mph zones.

Asad Yaqub, a local charity worker, said people had not been consulted: “I’m all for cycling but this isn’t fair. It’s causing more traffic on the main roads. A 10-minute journey can take 45.” Kirsty Smith, 19, added: “Closing roads creates more traffic. It’s made the village worse.”