Camden Council has begun a six-week public consultation on whether to make the current pedestrian-only trial on a central section of Camden High Street a permanent arrangement, and whether the traffic-free area should be extended.
What the trial covers and what is being proposed
The trial, introduced in May 2025, covers the stretch from the junction with Parkway and Kentish Town Road down to Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent, close to Camden Town Underground station. Buses heading towards Chalk Farm have been rerouted along Kentish Town Road and Hawley Crescent during the trial.
| Existing trial area | Proposed extension |
|---|---|
| Parkway/Kentish Town Road to Jamestown Road/Hawley Crescent | Down to Chalk Farm Road; across Camden Lock bridge and up to Castlehaven Road (under consideration) |
Council officers are also examining options for a dedicated northbound bus lane and replacing the large temporary barriers with a smart bollard system should the trial be retained on a permanent basis.
Reasons cited for the change
The council says the trial was introduced to tackle a number of long-standing problems: vehicle volumes that led to conflicts as pedestrians spilled from pavements, poor air quality and a diminished experience for visitors to the market and shops on the High Street.
"The trial has made the area safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and reduced air pollution on the street. The extra space has also allowed us to hold events and activities that showcase the best of Camden’s culture and communities."
The remark came from Councillor James Slater, cabinet member for planning and a sustainable Camden. He added the council hopes the consultation will inform design changes to improve the look and feel of the street with input from local people.
Local impacts and what to expect
If the changes are made permanent, the council envisages:
- removal of the temporary barriers and installation of controlled bollards;
- possible extension of the pedestrian area down to Chalk Farm Road and across the Lock bridge towards Castlehaven Road;
- adjusted bus routing and a potential new northbound bus lane to maintain public transport access.
Residents, traders and commuters are being asked to take part in the consultation so the council can assess how the trial has affected walking, cycling, deliveries, public transport and business activity. The consultation will also inform whether further streetscape improvements and events should be supported in the area.
Details on how to respond to the consultation are being circulated by Camden Council. Responses during this period will feed into the decision on whether the trial becomes permanent and the scope of any extension.
The outcome will be closely watched by local businesses and community groups, as well as transport campaigners. Any permanent changes would alter traffic patterns around the borough and shape how one of Camden’s busiest visitor and retail streets functions in future.
