Understand
UK government warns councils against ill-considered high street pedestrianisation
Overview
The UK government has warned local authorities in England that ill-considered high street pedestrianisation schemes can reduce accessibility and harm local economies. In evidence submitted to a parliamentary inquiry by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), officials stressed that removing traffic requires careful planning and mitigation within a broader spatial strategy, although the government continues to support local decision-making and plans to publish a new high street strategy later this year.
Key points
- The UK government has warned councils against poorly planned high street pedestrianisation schemes.
- The MHCLG stated in parliamentary evidence that removing traffic can risk reducing accessibility and damaging local economies if not properly managed.
- The government has not issued formal guidance on pedestrianisation but supports local authorities making their own choices.
- A new government high street strategy is due to be published later this year.
- Pedestrianisation projects have proven contentious in various areas, such as Oxford Street in London and a trial in Newbury that was ended after public opposition.