Pedestrian Priority Streets Programme
The City of London Corporation is improving the comfort and safety of pedestrians in the Square Mile. We need to restrict access for motorised traffic on some streets in order to make pavements wider, provide more space for pedestrians and reduce crowding.
In summer 2020, we provided more space for pedestrians to enable social distancing. These changes have been maintained as traffic experiments so that we can monitor the impacts on residents, businesses and street users.
Our consultation assessed the impact of these changes and whether they should be made permanent. The consultation has closed and the results were published in May 2023. Go to the Streets and Walkways Subcommittee agenda 23 May pedestrian priority streets programme for details.
Experimental measures
Cheapside (east of Bread Street)
From 6 November 2023, taxis will be permitted to drive through the point restriction on Cheapside in both directions, under an Experimental Traffic Order. This is expected to last up to 18 months.
Should you wish to comment on the trial, please complete the consultation questionnaire.
Old Jewry
In March 2024, City of London Members approved a traffic experiment to reopen Old Jewry to all traffic in a southbound direction at all times. This expected to go live in Summer 2024 and more information will be available on this webpage in due course.
Chancery Lane
In May 2024, Members agreed for officers to proceed with making the experimental traffic order on Chancery Lane permanent. This restricts vehicles from travelling north on Chancery Lane north of the junction with Carey Street between 7.00am and 7.00pm, Monday to Friday, except taxis and vehicles requiring access to properties or parking and loading facilities in Chancery Lane. Subject to the statutory consultation process, the experimental traffic order which is still live will become permanent on 16 August 2024.
Permanent measures
King Street - Now Complete
- Retaining the one way working for motorised traffic and two-way cycling.
- Widening the footway for people walking on both sides of the street at various locations.
King William Street
More details on the transformational scheme on King William Street can be found on the project’s sub-page.
Cheapside (east of Bread Street)
- Further enhancement of the temporary public realm (i.e. seating and greenery).
Threadneedle Street and Old Broad Street (south)
- Retaining the one way working for motorised traffic and two-way cycling.
- Widening the footway for people walking on one side of the street.
Experimental Traffic Orders
- Provide an improved walking environment that provides adequate space for pedestrians which, along with improving the quality of the City streets and public realm, contributes to the continued success of the Square Mile as a global centre for business, place to live and visitor destination.
- Improve the safety of pedestrians by reducing conflicts with vehicles and making streets easier to cross.
- Create a more accessible Square Mile where everyone will feel more able and confident to walk on City streets
- Reduce the exposure of pedestrians to air pollution and contributing to overall emission reductions in the City.
- Introduce public realm enhancements to improve the look and feel of the City and introduce greening and seating where appropriate.
Contact the Pedestrian Priority Team