Proposals to improve road safety by lowering the speed limit has divided a community, with two opposing groups going head-to-head by launching their own campaigns.

Waltham Forest council is consulting residents on the introduction of a 20mph zone by means of 'self-enforced' traffic calming measures in the Highams Park, Larkswood and north of the Valley ward area.

The plan is part of the council's "ambition" to make all residential streets 20mph and halve the number of people injured in road accidents by 2020.

It also supports Boris Johnson's safer streets and cycling vision, including the Greater London Authority (GLA) funded £30m Mini Holland scheme, of which £1m will be spent in the E4 postcode area on improving cycle routes and links.

In the last three years, 1,743 people have been injured in accidents across the borough, including 174 collisions involving death or serious injury.

Since 2010, there has been 234 accidents in the Hale End and Highams Park ward, representing a 36 per cent increase from 2010 to 2014.

Funded by the mayor and Transport for London, the proposals aim to improve pedestrian crossings, and install hundreds of road humps, speed cushions, and signs.

The Ratepayers Action Group, who were instrumental in fighting off a blanket controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Highams Park, see the latest consultation as the first stage towards a ‘Mini Holland’ with road closures, pedestrianisation and one-way traffic in Highams Park.

Their 'Say NO' poster states: 'A vote for 20mph is a vote for a full 'Mini Holland' with its very extensive road closures.'  

John Avis of the RAG, said: "The NO campaign is not against any reasonable traffic calming measures.

"But, we are very much against the blanket use of 130 speed humps in Highams Park.

"Once again, the LBWF are telling us what they are going to do and seeking confirmation rather that asking residents what they want and giving options."

The group has received support from UKIP’s Chingford branch but has caused a backlash among parents, who have accused the group of "scaremongering".

Mother-of-two Hanna Chalmers from Highams Park, has joined parents in the area to produce and print 1,000 copies of their own ‘Yes to Safer Streets’ campaign poster.

The 39-year-old, said: "The NO document is scaremongering by perpetuating lies.

"This idea of a 20mph zone being a slippery slope to the pedestrianisation of Highams Park could not be further from the truth.

"We felt we needed to set the record straight – this is not about Mini Holland, this is about making our streets safer for our children.

"If these proposals save one life, then it is worth it."

Lorna Chandler, 40, of Alma Avenue, Highams Park, has two children aged six and two, and believes it is only a matter of time before "someone is killed".

"I'm terrified for my children with the speed of traffic in Highams Park.

"A future without traffic calming measures is unthinkable - someone will be killed."

Main roads including Hall Lane, New Road, Hatch Lane, Chingford Mount Road and Chingford Lane, will not be included.

The deadline to submit your views is October 12.