Cavendish Avenue & Fairlawn Drive: Proposed extension to vehicle exemption area
Motor vehicles are currently banned from driving through part of Cavendish Avenue and Fairlawn Drive from 7.30am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday. This is to help prevent rat-running through residential roads during busy peak traffic periods. While this ban has been in place for 40 years, it was only in 2015 when the locking of the barriers was decommissioned and replaced by enforcement cameras.
In 2024, a new vehicle exemption scheme was introduced for those local residents living closest to the vehicle ban in Cavendish Avenue and Fairlawn Drive. This allows those residents to apply for an exemption to drive through the ban at any time without penalty.
The vehicle exemption scheme has been successful, with over 1,000 vehicle exemptions given to local properties last year. This has contributed towards quicker journeys for local residents, with less congestion on main roads leading to lower vehicle emissions.
WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?
The success of the vehicle exemption scheme has led to local residents from other nearby roads requesting that their road is also included in the vehicle exemption scheme. In response to these requests, it is proposed that the vehicle exemption scheme is extended to include more local roads as shown on the plan available through this webpage.
HOW DOES THE VEHICLE EXEMPTION WORK?
Residents living within the vehicle exemption area can apply to the Council for their vehicle(s) to be exempt from the motor vehicle ban in Cavendish Avenue and Fairlawn Drive. All vehicles that have been given an exemption are recognised and ignored by the enforcement cameras. Physical permits do not need to be displayed in the vehicle.
Exemptions only apply to vehicles registered at the eligible home address. Any other vehicles, such as those belonging to visitors or tradesman, do not qualify for any exemption (the ban continues to apply). Vehicle exemptions are valid for two years, after which time residents may reapply by providing proof of continued vehicle ownership.
By running the exemption scheme and allowing registered vehicles unrestricted entry through the local motor vehicle bans, we help to contribute towards:
- improved local air quality due to less time spent driving
- reduced traffic congestion on surrounding roads
- improved journey times on local roads for all users
If the proposed extension to the vehicle exemption area is approved, letters will be sent to all eligible properties with further information on how to apply for an exemption.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Before any final decision is made on whether to extend the vehicle exemption scheme, we would like to your view. Any written feedback, objections or other representations are now being invited. A public notice is also being advertised in the Wanstead & Woodford Guardian to raise wider awareness.
Please have your say by taking the survey on this webpage.
A final decision on whether to extend the vehicle exemption scheme will only be made after full consideration of any feedback that is received.
