Government warns English councils over pedestrianisation risks

Ministers have warned councils in England against pressing ahead with ill-considered plans to pedestrianise high streets.

The warning came in evidence submitted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to an inquiry by MPs on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee into revitalising high streets in England, BBC reported.

The department said pedestrianisation can make high streets more attractive, safe and welcoming. But it said removing traffic could also make them less accessible and damage local economies.

It said local leaders pursuing pedestrianisation must be aware of the risks. They must mitigate them within a broader spatial strategy.

A spokesperson for the department said the government had not issued formal guidance to local authorities on pedestrianisation. The government is due to publish a new high streets strategy later this year. The last strategy was published in 2021, when the Conservatives were in power.

The warning comes ahead of the pedestrianisation of parts of Oxford Street in London from 26 October. London Mayor Sadiq Khan first suggested pedestrianising parts of the street in 2016.

Buses, taxis, bikes and other vehicles will be banned from the section between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, BBC reported.