Camden High Street to become permanently pedestrianised

Camden Council has announced that a major section of Camden High Street will become permanently pedestrianised following an 18-month trial that began in May 2025. The vehicle-free zone extends from the junction of Parkway and Kentish Town Road, near Camden Town station, to the junctions of Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent.

The decision follows a public consultation where 57% of respondents supported the move. Data from the trial period indicated a 14.4% reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels and a significant improvement in safety, with zero collisions reported in the first nine months compared to six during the same period the previous year. Business spending has remained consistent with pre-trial levels.

To mitigate impacts on public transport, the council will trial a new bus lane on Kentish Town Road to assist northbound journeys. Temporary barriers currently in place will be replaced with permanent structures in early 2027. Additionally, a £1 million investment will fund community safety officer patrols and a deep cleaning of the high street. Future plans may see the pedestrian zone expanded toward Camden Lock Bridge and Chalk Farm Road.