Enfield Council will lobby Transport for London (TfL) to provide better bus services amid fears that parts of the borough do not have enough public transport routes.

Councillors pushed for a robust approach to the London-wide transport body at a meeting yesterday (Wednesday, October 17) and pledged to take the lead on planning new bus routes.

They were discussing the borough’s plans to roll out the mayor’s transport strategy, which is aimed at cutting car use and encouraging walking, cycling and using public transport.

Cycle Enfield is seen as a key part of Enfield’s approach, alongside plans to monitor air quality and encourage people to use public transport to get to and from schools.

But councillors complained that the lack of bus routes – a TfL responsibility – was a problem for people in the borough.

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu, cabinet member for health and social care, warned that the lack of bus routes was affecting people’ ability to get to hospitals.

She added that it had taken “years” just to extend the 307 bus route to Barnet Hospital.

Deputy leader Cllr Daniel Anderson echoed these concerns and suggested the council take the lead and develop the case for new routes.

He said: “It is far easier for me to get to the British Museum than Forty Hall. There is no bus route, so you would have to spend at least 30 minutes walking.

“We need to start drafting routes and going to TfL with the proposals.

“We need to acknowledge that using the car is still a need for people in this borough.”

Council officers thanked councillors for their comments and said they took on board the message “to be bold with TfL and try to set the agenda as much as we can”.

Councillors approved the draft implementation plan for the mayor’s transport strategy.

The plan will be subject to a consultation with TfL and other stakeholders before it is rolled out.