Trial of proposed traffic changes in Covent Garden
Camden and Westminster have been working together for some time on a plan to reduce through traffic in Covent Garden including Seven Dials. A proposal for a trial scheme was published here recently, and they are inviting feedback until 13th September via this form. They are now offering drop-in sessions, too, to answer people’s questions. These are on Tuesday 7th September & Thursday 9th September, 5.30pm to 7.30pm at 41-42 King Street, Covent Garden.
CGCA is broadly supportive of the proposals, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t still have quite a few questions ourselves. We are happy to see that the manned ‘Covid gates’ on Seven Dials will be removed so that legitimate traffic can get through, and the reversal of the North part of Mercer Street to try to reduce the traffic jams that used to plague that area (if you have forgotten how bad it was, see some footage here). We are not so keen on elements of pedestrianisation in Westminster streets, and have questions about some of the routing.
Residents have been asking us if we can we can explain some more about the rationale for the changes. Based on a number of discussions with Council Officers and the Traffic Consultants for the scheme, we have set out our understanding along with our outstanding questions here.
We also marked up their map below, to show the existing arrangements more clearly versus what changes are proposed. For a larger version, please click here.
If you would like to know any more about the CGCA’s views on the scheme please email your questions to licensing@coventgarden.org.uk.
Nov 26, 2021 @ 18:59:00
I assume your traffic problem involves only motor-vehicle traffic. The general term “traffic” also involves foot traffic, which is usually desirable in shopping districts. Which you’re concerned with should be made clear at the top of the article.