Response details:

Dear Cllr Stephanos Ioannou,

Thank you for your enquiry regarding traffic congestion and pedestrian movement at Southgate Circus Roundabout. We appreciate the level of detail provided, including suggestions that reflect local experience and the input of residents.

The Council recognises that Southgate Circus is a particularly busy location, with five arms of traffic converging, two zebra crossings, and a high volume of public transport and pedestrian activity throughout the day. The pressures on this junction can lead to queuing, reduced air quality and noise concerns for nearby residents. We understand these are long-standing concerns for many people in the area, and that the current layout can at times feel frustrating for both drivers and pedestrians.

In response, the Council looking at exploring options to improve the Southgate area, including Southgate Circus. We will consider how the junction might function better not only in terms of traffic and pedestrian flow, but also how the area could work better as a local place ? supporting access to the shops, businesses and facilities.

The suggestions submitted will be shared with the project team. The need to accommodate the numerous bus routes and bus stopping points focused around the circus will be a major challenge. So too the need to respect the distinctive heritage of the circus. The Council does not expect to find simple or easily affordable solutions, but is keen to explore options in the hope that future funding will be identified.

We welcome resident insight and local knowledge as we shape the scope of this work. Once the study is underway, we will look to provide opportunities for the community to engage with the process and share their views through the Let?s Talk Enfield platform.

More information will be available on the Southgate Town Centre project page here: https://letstalk.enfield.gov.uk/southgate

Southgate Ward Cllrs have been invited to a briefing next week to present the work developed as part of the Southgate Vision masterplan. One of the key areas of work has been the transport interchange, including the roundabout, so we will share more details with you at the briefing.

Kind regards,
Communications Officer
Journeys and Places | London Borough of Enfield

Original enquiry description: Dear Council Members,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to urgently address the severe congestion issues plaguing Southgate Circus Roundabout throughout the day, which is significantly impacting both drivers and residents in our local area.

The roundabout is experiencing excessive traffic from all five entry points, leading to prolonged delays, increased pollution levels, heightened noise, and substantial time wastage for commuters using public transport or driving. It is evident that the current infrastructure is inadequate to accommodate the volume of vehicles passing through.

A major bottleneck occurs at the two zebra crossings within Southgate Roundabout, where continuous stop-and-go traffic exacerbates congestion. To alleviate this, I propose installing traffic lights to regulate pedestrian crossings, thereby allowing smoother vehicular flow.

One of the primary causes of this congestion is the restricted access to adjoining roads entering the roundabout. For instance, drivers from Winchmore Hill Road to Chase Road are compelled to circumnavigate the entire roundabout to reach the nearest exit to their right. Opening or connecting the T-junctions at the end of The Vale and Mayfair Terrace would provide direct access and mitigate traffic buildup.

Furthermore, the closure of roads between The Bourne and The High Street A1004 has compounded these issues, as it prevents vehicles from accessing adjacent routes, forcing them to queue up at Southgate Circus Roundabout.

These suggestions have been widely discussed among residents who are deeply frustrated by the current situation and are eager for prompt action. Implementing these measures could significantly alleviate traffic congestion and improve conditions for pedestrians and drivers alike.

I urge the council to consider these proposals seriously and take immediate action to address the ongoing traffic challenges at Southgate Circus Roundabout. Your swift response and proactive measures will have a transformative impact on our community.

I have included diagrams displaying some of the issues and resolutions.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. I look forward to your positive response and the opportunity to discuss this further.

Best regards,