Camden High Street pedestrianisation: London Living Streets

For a century, walkers were ignored, our city dominated by drivers and Camden Town became a giant, polluted gyratory. The folly of this became clear, and enlightened councils are transforming our streets.

The Camden High Street proposals will delight huge numbers of residents, workers and visitors. Instead of overcrowded pavements with people forced onto the road, traffic will be replaced by more space for planting and seating.

Important improvements are also planned for the 'Camden Street area’.

In 2021, TfL banned a left turn from Camden Street to Camden Road, increasing motor traffic on local streets. Now restrictions are proposed for Georgiana Street and Lyme Street. To prevent rat runners from switching to Pratt Street, part of this road will become a pedestrian and cycle-only zone.

Proposals for Kilburn High Road have received less attention than Camden High Street, despite their significance.

The road will not be closed to traffic, but have wider pavements, more pedestrian crossings and continuous crossings over side roads, with cycle parking, longer bus lane hours and more trees. Particularly pleasing is the closure of a few side roads to create pocket parks with seating and planting.

David Harrison is excited about proposals to pedestrianise areas in and around Camden (Image: David Harrison)

Following extensive consultation and detailed work by the Neighbourhood Forum, a Healthy Neighbourhood for the Dartmouth Park area is planned – again with greenery, seats and reduced traffic in Chetwynd Road, which is desperately needed.

Finally, streateries in Great Queen Street are out for consultation and will allow diners to eat outside. As the gateway to Covent Garden from Holborn, it should be a joy for walkers, claiming back underused space for pedestrians.

Streateries have made a difference, but the ultimate goal would be the creation of a small, traffic-free square at the junction with Drury Lane.

Inevitably there are critics. Similar projects were initially vociferously opposed, but who now would want Alfred Place, Princes Circus or Seven Dials dominated by motorists again? Made car-free in the 1970s, Fitzroy Square has also been a great success. Should the restrictions be removed?

More is required, particularly attractive walking routes between key destinations and linking up improved public spaces.

Camden Unlimited and Footways teamed up to create a map which could be a focus for prioritising investment: (footways.london/camden-green-loop). We can create a beautiful Walkable City and Borough. To help this happen, do respond to and support the consultations.

• David Harrison is from London Living Streets