London's Camden High Street goes permanently traffic-free: after an 18-month trial, 57% of consultation respondents backed the change

Camden High Street's pedestrianisation is now permanent. Camden Council announced on October 27 that the traffic-free trial on part of the north London shopping street, launched in May 2025, becomes permanent after 18 months.

From the Tube station to Hawley Crescent

The permanent layout runs between Britannia Junction and the junction with Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent, in front of Camden Town Underground station. The trial began after feedback that motor vehicles were dominating the street, pedestrians were spilling off the pavements, and air quality was poor.

The council said temporary barriers at each end of the area will be replaced with permanent barriers early next year. In this summer's consultation, 57% of all respondents agreed with making the changes permanent, including 51% of people living in the Camden Town area.

What the 18-month trial showed

The council reported that walking levels on the street held steady during the trial, with the extra space giving people a more comfortable experience, while spending in local businesses stayed in line with pre-trial levels during the daytime and the evening peak. The extra space was also used for six main cultural events, which drew an estimated 3,600 attendees and involved 183 artists.

Councillor James Slater, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, said Camden Town is an important shopping and transport hub for local residents as well as an internationally recognised destination drawing people from across London, the rest of the UK and the world; based on the consultation and the positive outcomes seen, the council decided to make it permanent.

Next: buses and a possible northern extension

Responding to concerns about bus services, the council will trial a bus lane on Kentish Town Road aimed at speeding up northbound bus journeys. Proposals to extend the pedestrian zone northwards over Camden Lock bridge towards the junction with Chalk Farm Road are still being worked on, with more details due in spring 2027.

Notably, London's other famous shopping street, Oxford Street, also began pedestrianisation this week, as central London hands its busiest streets back to people on foot.