The Surprising Side-Effect of COVID-19: Pedestrianisation

As we start our post-pandemic recovery, authority leaders are finding themselves in the unenviable position of trying to kickstart the recovery of certain sectors, particularly hospitality and tourism. On top of this, with people becoming increasingly sedentary thanks to lockdown restrictions, UK leaders are trying to avoid a looming health crisis. A proposed solution for both of these problems is to increase the number of pedestrianised zones in our town and city centres.   

If you caught our article last week regarding the ‘Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods’ (LTNs) popping up across the nation, you’re probably already aware that pedestrianisation is becoming a hotbed issue. Many local authority leaders have taken advantage of the reduced volume of traffic during the pandemic to implement a variety of schemes to limit traffic. Of all the side effects that people predicted about the pandemic, increased pedestrianisation seems to be one of the more contentious.   

Whilst a considerable number of pedestrianisation schemes were introduced temporarily, to help manage social distancing measures, many authorities are planning to leave them in place. In some areas, plans are already underway to increase the number of pedestrian-only zones. One of the main motivators for this is to encourage increased footfall in high street businesses. Cities around the world have introduced these schemes with varying degrees of success but have generally shown an increase in visitor numbers. After one of the toughest years on record, businesses need people to return to the high street to ensure their survival.  

In Manchester, big plans to permanently pedestrianize up to 30 city centre roads are being reviewed by councillors. The city council have approved a £2.3 million overhaul to Manchester’s Northern Quarter closing it off to car traffic. According to the MEN, feedback from the public has been broadly positive, with most people supporting the plans.   

Throughout the pandemic, Edinburgh City Council has also been trialling pedestrianised areas in several historic areas of the city. Opinion in the city seems to be evenly split; whilst residents agree that the schemes have been beneficial for tourism and the city, they also point out that it has made things more difficult for residents.   

The response is less favourable elsewhere in the country. In London, proposed schemes such as the ‘Green Person Authority’, as well as the extensive introduction of LTNs have been met with fierce opposition. A survey, of around 2,000 of the capital residents, found that 87% believe schemes that prioritise pedestrians over traffic are a bad thing for the city.  

Opposing pedestrianisation schemes are those that rely on roads to make a living, logistics and delivery companies, as well as passenger transport services. Speaking on the situation in London, the general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), Steve McNamara, said: “London is a working city which needs to move around. All the traffic is working traffic...If you restrict the lifeblood of a city you get a coronary.”   

Some representatives from blue light services have echoed this sentiment, voicing concern about how it can impact their ability to protect the public. In March, an investigation from the South Central Ambulance Service was sparked following an incident where a first response vehicle could not follow its initial route whilst responding to reports of a heart attack. Dame Cressida Dick of the Met Police also commented on the matter, stating LTNs make it “harder for our officers to get through streets and roads that they could previously get through much faster”  

If you want to share your thoughts on pedestrianisation, we’d love to hear from you! Drop us an email with your opinion to hello@taxiplus.co.uk. For more information about TaxiPlus’ licensing services, or, if you just want to keep up to date with our news coverage, be sure to sign up to our mailing list! Alternatively, give us a like or follow on social media to be sure you’re always up to date.