Government warns councils on high street pedestrianisation risks
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government submits evidence to MPs' inquiry on revitalising high streets.
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The UK government has issued a warning to councils regarding the potential pitfalls of high street pedestrianisation. In evidence presented to a parliamentary inquiry, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) stated that while pedestrianisation can enhance the appeal, safety, and welcoming nature of high streets, the process requires careful consideration. The department cautioned that removing traffic could negatively impact accessibility and harm local economies if not managed properly.
The MHCLG's submission to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, which is investigating ways to revitalise England's high streets, stressed that local leaders must be aware of these risks and work to mitigate them within a wider spatial strategy. A spokesperson for the MHCLG confirmed that no formal guidance has been issued to local authorities on the matter, with the government supporting local leaders in making decisions based on community needs. An upcoming high streets strategy is expected to provide further details on government initiatives.
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Oxford Street Scheme and Expert Views
The pedestrianisation of high streets has become more common across the UK, with some schemes emerging during the Covid-19 pandemic. In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan has been involved in a protracted process to make parts of Oxford Street traffic-free, a plan that will take effect from 26 October. This particular initiative has been a decade in the making, with the Mayor first proposing it in 2016.
Professor Lee Ivett, who leads the School of Architecture at the University of the Built Environment, commented on the commonality of local opposition to pedestrianisation schemes. He told the BBC that while objections often centre on short-term business disruption, evidence suggests that pedestrianisation can boost the long-term economic viability of high streets. However, Professor Ivett emphasised that these economic benefits are contingent on improvements in public transport to maintain accessibility. 'If you want to defeat the argument that a reduction in the amount of traffic will reduce the amount of trade, then you need to also be able to make an argument that an investment in public transport infrastructure is actually going to be the vehicle that still keeps providing accessibility to the centre,' he stated.
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The government's historical approach has been to provide local authorities with the flexibility to decide on pedestrianisation. This contrasts with some trials that have faced significant public backlash. For instance, West Berkshire Council recently concluded Newbury's evening pedestrianisation trial after 75% of consultation respondents opposed it. In contrast, Stevenson Square in Manchester's Northern Quarter has become a permanent pedestrian-friendly area following a successful trial.
Questions this report answers
+What is the government's stance on high street pedestrianisation?
The UK government has warned councils against ill-considered pedestrianisation plans, citing risks to accessibility and local economies. However, they acknowledge that well-managed schemes can increase a high street's attractiveness and long-term economic viability, supporting local leaders' decisions.
+When will parts of Oxford Street be pedestrianised?
Parts of Oxford Street are scheduled to become pedestrianised from 26 October. This development follows a decade-long process initiated by Mayor Sadiq Khan, who first proposed the idea in 2016.
+What are the potential long-term economic impacts of pedestrianisation?
According to Professor Lee Ivett, pedestrianisation can increase the economic viability of high streets in the long run. He noted that these benefits are most likely to be realised when pedestrianisation is combined with improvements to public transport infrastructure to ensure continued accessibility.
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