Camden Council agrees trial pedestrianisation for a safer, healthier Camden High Street
Camden Council has agreed to trial the removal of motor traffic from part of Camden High Street. This new pedestrianised space will be accompanied by changes to key nearby streets, creating safer and healthier public places for residents, businesses, and visitors.
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.
Over 70% of people in the public consultation said they supported pedestrianisation and the proposal to trial a motor traffic-free section of Camden High Street.
The trial will see the removal of motor 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 northward.
TfL has provided £130,000 for the development of the trial.
The council will keep the trial under continual review and collect a range of data to test the impacts including feedback from residents, businesses and visitors. Following the trial and considering the data and feedback collected, consideration will be given to next steps, which could include the closure being made permanent.
Councillor Harrison continued:
“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 local residents, businesses, and community organisations on the Camden High Street Cultural Programme. Running for around 12 months during 2025 to 2026, this programme will feature events designed to bring local communities together creating a dynamic experience for residents and visitors.”
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. The trial closure on Camden High Street will run from the junction with Parkway and Kentish Town Road to the junction with Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent.
The trial is scheduled to begin later in 2025 with an opening event, more information on the date and event will be made available in due course.
More information about the planned trial and the cultural programme will be available on a dedicated Commonplace page, where residents can also sign up for regular email updates: camdenhighstreet.commonplace.is/
You can view the relevant papers and consultation results online.
- Bus stops in the trial area are not being changed and new blue badge parking is being provided on side streets. Changes on Jamestown Road will enable more space to be provided for Streateries – outdoor seating areas. In addition to making Jamestown Road one way west bound between Camden High Street and Arlington Road the following changes will also be made:
- Paid parking bays will be converted into Streateries and loading bays to support businesses located on Jamestown Road with opportunities for outside seating.
- A new contra flow cycle lane will be introduced to support two-way cycling and encourage more active travel.
- Loading bays will be located near the junction of Jamestown Road and Camden High Street to support the loading and delivery services to the businesses located on Camden High Street and surrounding streets.