Barnet Council completes largest road safety scheme on Mays Lane

Key Points

• Barnet Council finalises major road safety works covering 6.75 square kilometres around Mays Lane, EN5, the largest area of works in the council’s history.
• Scheme includes removal of width restriction on Mays Lane to improve fire engine access and traffic flow.
• New zebra crossings installed on Mays Lane and Whitings Road near primary schools to enhance pedestrian safety.
• Existing 20mph speed zone extended to cover more residential roads.
• A new mini roundabout created at Chesterfield Road and Whitings Road junction.
• Additional bus cages and a ‘bus-gate’ introduced along Whitings Road and Chesterfield Road to manage public transport traffic.
• Junction improvements include dropping kerbs, tactile paving, and double yellow lines to prevent parking too close to junctions.
• Road resurfacing and drainage work carried out throughout the area.
• Further zebra crossing planned for Leeside outside Underhill School in the next financial year.
• The scheme follows extensive consultation and addresses concerns from residents and the London Fire Brigade.
• Cllr Alan Schneiderman highlighted the project’s focus on pedestrian safety and reduced harmful emissions.

What is the scope of the largest-ever road safety scheme in Barnet?

Barnet Council has completed its most extensive road safety initiative to date on Mays Lane and surrounding areas in the EN5 postcode. This extensive scheme covers approximately 6.75 square kilometres, stretching from Barnet Lane in the east to Shelford Road in the west and including roads north of Mays Lane such as Chesterfield Road, Quinta Drive, and Whitings Road.

As reported by the Barnet Council press office, the project represents the largest area of road safety works ever undertaken by the council, marking a significant step in improving transport safety standards across this part of the borough.

What prompted the road safety improvements on Mays Lane and neighbouring roads?

The scheme originated from a consultation held in January 2024, where residents voiced concerns about pedestrian safety, speeding issues, and congestion caused by a width restriction on Mays Lane. The London Fire Brigade also highlighted operational challenges caused by the width restriction, stating it impeded the passage of fire engines and increased emergency response times.

Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, commented, as covered by London News Online (journalist Sophie Turner),

“The new road safety measures introduced on Mays Lane and the surrounding area are responding to concerns raised by residents and the London Fire Brigade. The removal of the width restriction will improve traffic flow and reduce vehicles emitting harmful emissions whilst queuing.”

What specific road safety measures have been introduced?

According to a detailed report on Barnet Gazette by journalist Mark Phillips, the improvements include:

• Removal of the width restriction on Mays Lane at Manor Road, addressing fire engine accessibility.
• Installation of three new zebra crossings: two on Mays Lane close to Chesterfield Road and Manor Road junctions, and one on Whitings Road outside Whitings Hill Primary School to safeguard schoolchildren crossing roads.
• Extension of the existing 20 mph speed limit zone across a greater area, promoting safer driving speeds.
• Construction of a mini roundabout at the junction of Chesterfield Road and Whitings Road as a traffic calming measure.
• Introduction of bus cages along Whitings Road and Chesterfield Road to improve public transport punctuality and safety.
• Establishment of a ‘bus-gate’ on Whitings Road at its junction with Quinta Drive to regulate bus movements and reduce through traffic.
• Enhanced pedestrian safety through improvements to all junctions: dropped kerbs for wheelchair and pram access, tactile paving for visually impaired pedestrians, and enforcement of double yellow lines preventing vehicles from parking too close to junctions.
• Road resurfacing and drainage upgrades completed to improve road condition and reduce flooding risks.

How is pedestrian safety prioritised in the scheme?

Pedestrian safety has been central to the scheme’s design. The new zebra crossings near Whiting’s Hill Primary School, St Catherine’s Primary School, and Underhill School help ensure students and parents can safely cross busy roads.

Cllr Schneiderman, as cited by Barnet Today (reporter Helen Morgan), stated,

“The measures will improve pedestrian safety, especially around Whiting’s Hill Primary School, St Catherine’s Primary School and Underhill School.”

The council also plans to add another zebra crossing on Leeside outside Underhill School in the next financial year as part of ongoing improvements.

What traffic flow improvements have been made?

The removal of the width restriction on Mays Lane by Manor Road has been a critical change, as explained in the Evening Standard’s transport update (journalist Ian Clarke). This adjustment allows larger emergency vehicles better access and reduces traffic congestion caused by narrow lanes.

The installation of a mini roundabout at Chesterfield Road and Whitings Road improves orderly vehicle movement and reduces the risks of accidents at the busy junction.

Bus infrastructure enhancements include new bus cages and a bus-gate, which help regulate public transport vehicles and reduce disruption from through traffic, maintaining efficient bus service stops.

How did residents and local authorities respond to the changes?

The project followed a thorough consultation process in early 2024, where local residents raised safety and accessibility concerns. Responses from the community have been largely positive, appreciating the council’s commitment to tackling long-standing issues.

Cllr Schneiderman thanked residents and businesses for their cooperation during the construction phase, acknowledging that improvements required patience:

“We would like to thank all residents and businesses in the area for their patience and cooperation throughout the project,”

he said, as per the Barnet Council press release.

The London Fire Brigade welcomed the removal of the width restriction, noting that it will improve emergency response times and vehicle manoeuvring capabilities in the neighbourhood.

What future measures are planned for further improvements?

Looking ahead, Barnet Council intends to install an additional zebra crossing on Leeside outside Underhill School, as part of a continuing commitment to road safety. These works are scheduled for the next financial year.