Banning cars from a street so visitors can enjoy cafes, shop and socialise in peace is a "no brainer", according to the latest person to float the idea.

John Gregson, 71, is the third person to launch a petition get Westminster Council to ban cars from Formosa Street, in Little Venice.

The retired management consultant, who has lived locally for 20 years, says he has received positive feedback from residents and businesses, with more than 250 people signing his petition.

"It's not a new idea," he said. "There was a petition in 2009 which got 230 signatures and one in 2020 which got 310.  It just struck me that this petition is a no-brainer."

Mr Gregson has produced his own graphics to show the benefits.

He said: "It's a circular road and to get from one to the other would take seconds so it won't restrict traffic at all.

"At the moment cars park on both sides of the road and that creates traffic jams."

He added: "It looks like a pedestrian street anyway as it doesn't go anywhere. It would create an asset for the community to meet and chat and restaurants would be able to put out tables."

He said the objections were "not insufferable". Of the 13 businesses, he claims only two were worried about deliveries, but he said they might be able to use "barrow boxes".

How a small stretch of Formosa Street could look if made pedestrian onlyHow a small stretch of Formosa Street could look if made pedestrian only (Image: John Gregson)

And he says noise is not an issue as the street already has curfews.

Mr Gregson says the previous Conservative administration had rejected those bids on the grounds of noise and delivery demands.

He hopes the Labour group now running the council will see the benefits.

Traffic jams are common in Formosa Street in Little Venice where cars can park on both sides of the roadTraffic jams are common in Formosa Street in Little Venice where cars can park on both sides of the road (Image: John Gregson)

He said: "They've got funds to improve the Warwick Avenue area. Maybe this could be rolled into that scheme."

Mr Gregson already has the support of Little Venice councillor Sara Hassan.

Cllr Hassan said: “Formosa Street is a hidden gem in Little Venice.

“When one of my residents approached me about the petition, I thought it was a brilliant idea. While it already has buckets of charm, I’m keen to see how we can protect and enhance it as an area of unique character and heritage.

“The lines of cars and badly parked delivery vehicles really don’t do it justice. However I’m also keen to hear what residents think.”

The petition runs until September 17. Westminster Council will discuss it on September 18.