Friday 29 May 2009

Ancient folk traditions of Waltham Forest

An ancient folk tradition in Waltham Forest is for the Council to paint thin white lines around disintegrating road surfaces.

The origins of this enigmatic tribal art are lost in the dawn of time. Some anthropologists believe that it originated in 'telephoning to report a pothole' but as the white-lining is not followed by any action this is hard to believe. However, those who hold to this theory suggest that, having painted these mysterious lines,
the highway engineering department then prays to the great God of Asphalt, who is a harsh deity who ignores all pleas for a safe, smooth cycling surface.

Two examples. The first is outside 40 Forest Drive East E11, the second at the junction of the A112 and Queens Road E17.