A major tourist hotspot in the heart of London has started trialing the removal of vehicles from its streets in a bid to improve public safety.
The move, announced by Camden Council, will see Camden High Street become pedestrianised, impacting all traffic in the area and forcing cars to find alternative routes.
This new pedestrianised space will be accompanied by changes to key nearby streets aimed at creating safer and healthier public places.
The move aims to crack down on the number of people impacting the region, which sees as many as 40,000 people on the high street during peak times.
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Councillor Adam Harrison said: "Camden Town is an internationally recognised destination and an important transport hub.
"Its iconic markets, music venues, and businesses draw people in from across London, the rest of the UK, and the world. So many people ask why the high street is not already pedestrianised – now we are delivering on that call."
The move follows a consultation launched by the council which saw 70 per cent of people support the pedestrianisation and motor traffic-free section of Camden High Street.
The trial will impact Camden High Street, from the junction with Parkway and Kentish Town Road, in front of Camden Town Underground station, and up to the junction of Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent.
For public transport, buses going towards Chalk Farm will have to travel along Kentish Town Road and then Hawley Crescent before continuing northward. Transport for London has provided £130,000 for the development of the trial.
The council noted how it will keep the trial under "continual review" and collect a range of data to test the impacts, including feedback from residents, businesses and visitors.
The trial is intended to start later this year and will run for up to 18 months, with the council collecting data and feedback afterwards before deciding to make the measures permanent.
Harrison added: "It’s not just about creating extra space on the high street but about taking this opportunity to celebrate Camden Town’s rich history, stories, and grassroots culture. The council is therefore working with residents, businesses, and community organisations on the Camden High Street Cultural Programme."
Meanwhile, Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, explained that removing traffic will improve air quality and enable the high street to "thrive as residents and visitors enjoy a safer, cleaner and more attractive environment."
The scheme also forms part of Camden Council’s plans to establish a Low Emission Neighbourhood, which is being backed by £500,000 of funding from the Mayor’s London Air Quality Fund.
Lord Pitkeathley, CEO of Camden Town Unlimited Business Improvement District, added that the scheme is a "positive step" towards creating a more walkable environment while increasing the attractiveness of the town centre.
"If coupled with a proactive and enhanced strategy addressing the high street antisocial behaviour issues, we are very hopeful this could lead to a permanent change," he said.
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The move by Camden Council follows similar measures taking place in Oxford Street, with the stretch of road moving to become pedestrianised, which would see cars banned from using the 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "Oxford Street has been known as the nation’s high street, but the area has suffered in recent years. My proposals are designed to unlock the true potential of Oxford Street and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean, avenue.
"These proposals would help to restore this famous part of the capital and support good businesses, while creating new jobs and boosting growth."
Find Out More...
The move, announced by Camden Council, will see Camden High Street become pedestrianised, impacting all traffic in the area and forcing cars to find alternative routes.
This new pedestrianised space will be accompanied by changes to key nearby streets aimed at creating safer and healthier public places.
The move aims to crack down on the number of people impacting the region, which sees as many as 40,000 people on the high street during peak times.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
Councillor Adam Harrison said: "Camden Town is an internationally recognised destination and an important transport hub.
"Its iconic markets, music venues, and businesses draw people in from across London, the rest of the UK, and the world. So many people ask why the high street is not already pedestrianised – now we are delivering on that call."
The move follows a consultation launched by the council which saw 70 per cent of people support the pedestrianisation and motor traffic-free section of Camden High Street.
The trial will impact Camden High Street, from the junction with Parkway and Kentish Town Road, in front of Camden Town Underground station, and up to the junction of Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent.
For public transport, buses going towards Chalk Farm will have to travel along Kentish Town Road and then Hawley Crescent before continuing northward. Transport for London has provided £130,000 for the development of the trial.
The council noted how it will keep the trial under "continual review" and collect a range of data to test the impacts, including feedback from residents, businesses and visitors.
The trial is intended to start later this year and will run for up to 18 months, with the council collecting data and feedback afterwards before deciding to make the measures permanent.
Harrison added: "It’s not just about creating extra space on the high street but about taking this opportunity to celebrate Camden Town’s rich history, stories, and grassroots culture. The council is therefore working with residents, businesses, and community organisations on the Camden High Street Cultural Programme."
Meanwhile, Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, explained that removing traffic will improve air quality and enable the high street to "thrive as residents and visitors enjoy a safer, cleaner and more attractive environment."
The scheme also forms part of Camden Council’s plans to establish a Low Emission Neighbourhood, which is being backed by £500,000 of funding from the Mayor’s London Air Quality Fund.
Lord Pitkeathley, CEO of Camden Town Unlimited Business Improvement District, added that the scheme is a "positive step" towards creating a more walkable environment while increasing the attractiveness of the town centre.
"If coupled with a proactive and enhanced strategy addressing the high street antisocial behaviour issues, we are very hopeful this could lead to a permanent change," he said.
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The move by Camden Council follows similar measures taking place in Oxford Street, with the stretch of road moving to become pedestrianised, which would see cars banned from using the 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "Oxford Street has been known as the nation’s high street, but the area has suffered in recent years. My proposals are designed to unlock the true potential of Oxford Street and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean, avenue.
"These proposals would help to restore this famous part of the capital and support good businesses, while creating new jobs and boosting growth."
Find Out More...