Cars will be banned from one of London’s most famous shopping roads as regular overcrowding sees up to 40,000 visitors on the street at peak times.
Camden High Street in North London is hugely popular particularly with tourists, but pedestrians regularly spill into the road while trying to walk along the pavement.
Now Camden Council has agreed to trial the removal of cars from part of the street which is popular among tourists as well as celebrities.
The new pedestrianised space will be accompanied by changes to nearby streets in a bid to create ‘safer and healthier public places for residents, businesses, and visitors.’
A public consultation showed 70 per cent of people supported pedestrianisation and the proposal to trial a motor traffic-free section of Camden High Street.
Camden Town is an internationally recognised destination and an important transport hub with its famous markets, stables, and music venues.
Famous residents have included artists and musicians like singer Amy Winehouse, who died in a period house close to the main thoroughfare.
The high street is the first thing many people see when they exit Camden Town tube or get off the bus.
But at peak times there can be tens of thousands of people on the high street, creating significant overcrowding with pedestrians having to dodge cars, buses and bikes.
The trial will see the removal of all vehicles on 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.
Buses towards Chalk Farm will travel along Kentish Town Road and then Hawley Crescent before continuing north.
TfL has provided £130,000 for the development of the trial, which forms part of Camden Council’s plans to establish a Low Emission Neighbourhood in Camden Town and is supported by mayoral money.
The council will keep the trial under continual review and collect data to test the impacts including feedback from residents, businesses and visitors.
The closure may eventually be made permanent.
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, 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.
‘The high street is the first thing many people see when they exit Camden Town tube or get off the bus.
‘But at peak times there can be as many as 40,000 people on the high street, creating significant overcrowding and a stressful experience. So many people ask why the high street is not already pedestrianised – now we are delivering on that call.’
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: ‘This trial is great news for Camden.
‘Removing traffic will improve air quality and enable the high street to thrive as local residents and visitors enjoy a safer, cleaner and more attractive environment.
‘This scheme forms part of Camden Council’s plans to establish a Low Emission Neighbourhood in Camden Town, backed by £500,000 of funding from the Mayor’s London Air Quality Fund.
‘It’s a great example of an ambitious, locally led project that improves London’s air quality and supports the Mayor’s aim for a fairer, greener London for everyone.’
Lord Pitkeathley, CEO of Camden Town Unlimited Business Improvement District said:
‘We’re delighted that this trial is going ahead.
‘This is a positive step towards creating a more walkable and welcoming environment that will enhance the customer experience, increase the attractiveness of the town centre, and pave the way for a vibrant, activated high street.
‘We’re looking forward to seeing how this trial will transform the experience of arriving in Camden Town.
‘If coupled with a proactive and enhanced strategy addressing the high street’s antisocial behaviour issues, we are very hopeful this could lead to a permanent change.
‘It could pose many exciting opportunities for local business whilst positioning Camden among London’s most forward-looking, sustainable neighbourhoods.
‘As we head towards the spring, Camden Town will be busier than ever with local and international visitors.
‘This trial will enable businesses to showcase a sustainable, healthy, and thriving destination for food, culture, and shopping that deserves its world-famous reputation.’
The trial will be brought in under an Experimental Traffic Order which will last for a maximum of 18 months.
It will begin later in 2025 with an opening event.