If you’ve ever walked down Camden High Street on a weekend or a sunny day, you’ve likely found yourself feeling like a fish swimming against the stream. Thanks to the popularity of the area, huge numbers of people fill the pavements. In fact, “at peak times there can be as many as 40,000 people on the high street“.
At times, it can be tempting to just step into the street to try and skirt your way around the sometimes slow-moving groups of people. And very soon, you’ll be able to do exactly that, without fear of being run over. Camden Council has agreed to trial a pedestrianisation of the area by removing motor traffic from part of Camden High Street.
Starting “in later 2025”a portion of Camden High Street will be closed to motor vehicles. This will be enforced between the junction of Parkway and Kentish Town Road, and the junction at Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent. Not sure exactly where that is? That’s the road running from the front of Camden Town Underground station up to the last intersection before the bridge by Camden Lock Market.
Said Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden:
“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.”
Changes to Camden High Street and surrounding areas
But you can’t just shut down a portion of the road without making some changes in the surrounding areas. To make it easier – and safer – for everyone involved, Camden Council is also doing the following:
- Providing new blue badge parking on side streets.
- Making Jamestown Road one-way west-bound between Camden High Street and Arlington.
- Converting paid parking bays into ‘Streateries’ – outdoor seating areas – and loading bays to support businesses.
- Introducing a new ‘contra-flow cycle lane’ to “support two-way cycling and encourage more active travel.”
The trial is expected to last for a maximum of 18 monthsand will be under continual review. Throughout the trial, Camden Council will collect feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors. Depending on how the trial goes, and the feedback, the pedestrianisation of Camden High Street could become permanent!
To find out more about the pedestrianisation of Camden High Street, head here, where you can sign up for the latest updates.
