There are certain parts of London you can hardly believe are not yet pedestrianised, and Bedale Street — which skewers its way through the middle of bustling Borough Market — is one of them.
Although pedestrian space along Bedale Street has been increased in recent years, more drastic action is now being taken by Southwark Council, which is installing a barrier at the junction of Bedale Street and Borough High Street. From June — between 10am and 5pm on weekdays and 9am and 5pm at weekends — the barrier will only permit designated vehicles (residents' vehicles, delivery vans, emergency services) to pass.
Says Cllr James McAsh, Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets and Waste: "Bedale Street sees huge numbers of pedestrians, and too often they're competing for space with vehicles. This temporary barrier will protect people walking, reduce traffic, and help us test a better long-term solution for access and safety in the area."
Elsewhere in London, a public consultation for the proposed pedestrianisation of Oxford Street recently came to a close.
