Camden High Street could go car-free forever

Camden really is the most divisive of London neighbourhoods. When asked about it, some Londoners will go all misty and wax lyrical about its countercultural history, atmospheric live music pubs, eclectic shopping opportunities and lively atmosphere. And other Londoners will make the sign of the cross, then, with haunted eyes, share stories of getting trampled by hordes of feral European teenagers or losing a shoe in a drunken crush outside the World’s End pub.

Arguably, the chaos and crowds is what makes Camden, Camden. But there’s a new plan afoot to turn Camden High Street into an altogether more peaceful place to hang out. The borough of Camden is currently consulting on whether it should make its current trial pedestrianisation of a busy stretch of road into a permanent state of affairs.

Since May last year, Camden High Street has been closed to traffic in the crowded bit outside the station, with vehicles diverted down Hawley Crescent and Kentish Town Road. Tens of thousands of people visit Camden every day, and this move has reduced overcrowding and made the street a more pleasant place to be.

To sweeten the deal, there have also been planters, seating and street decorations made in collaboration with the London Festival of Architecture. It’s designed to create an environment that’s relaxing enough to soothe the soul of the most hardened Camden-sceptic.

As ever in life, there’s a trade off. Levels of congestion, air pollution, and crimes such as pickpocketing have all fallen. But bus and car journey times have both got longer, as traffic is diverted away from the high street. Camden Council plans to mitigate some of this effect by adding a new northbound bus lane on Kentish Town Road this autumn.

Will it be enough? A consultation process this summer will gather the views of local community members and stakeholders. They’ll also be asked about a potential expansion of the scheme, adding on a stretch of Camden High Street that runs down to Chalk Farm Road, and adding adjoining Jamestown Road.

A decision on whether the scheme will become permanent will be made this September. If the council gets the green light, it’s planning to add street art, lighting, and permanent bollards to make this notoriously hectic spot a whole lot more chill.

You can have your say in the consultation here.

Explore Camden’s streets with our pick of the area’s 12 best pubs.

Plus: Covent Garden’s Seven Dials will be pedestrianised for one day in July

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