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Chancery Lane will be free of traffic in City's bid for beauty
Ruth Bloomfield25.03.09
CHANCERY LANE is gearing up to become a pedestrian precinct.
Under proposals from the Corporation of London to make the City more pleasant for pedestrians, the street - home of the Law Society, the Public Record Office, the Royal Courts of Justice and parts of King's College London - could be closed to cars and vans.
Consultation on the idea began this month and will continue until 17April. If approved, works could begin this year.
A report on the plans explains that the aim is to create a "high quality streetscape that makes the area more pleasant and easy to use for workers, residents and visitors to the area".
The plan aims to encourage cycling, reduce traffic and give pedestrians more space to walk.
The report added: "Streets in the area are particularly busy during business hours - especially at the lunchtime peak. The area's popularity generates high footfall. This, combined with narrow footpaths, forces many pedestrians onto the road which means the area's vitality and vibrancy is compromised as pedestrians compete for space."
Traders and local businesses welcomed the scheme and said it would help create a "village atmosphere".
Helen Yates, 47, who works for a legal publisher in Chancery Lane, said: "The traffic-free days were excellent. There was a real village feel with people strolling around and I think most people who work around here would support the plans."
Teddy Shattock, 65, managing director of Aldridge jewellers in Chancery Lane, said: "We need to do all we can to create a more pleasant environment for pedestrians."
But junior barrister Sebastian Winnett, 25, said: "It could interfere with getting a taxi. Lawyers are often in a hurry to get to chambers or court, but overall I think most would be in favour especially if they're going to create a new public square."
The City proposes a pedestrianised zone between the junctions of Chancery Lane and Southampton Buildings, and Chancery Lane and Carey Street. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed into the zone.
It is considering two options - a 24-hour closure, or a timed closure, allowing the central section of Chancery Lane to open to traffic at certain times of day. The report said: "This will create a more pleasant street environment for pedestrians and cyclists and facilitate more vibrant commercial activity in the area."
As well as banning traffic the City would like to widen the pavement at Southampton Buildings and plant trees to improve the environment. It would create a new public open space north of Chancery House on the site where the Knights Templar - who created Chancery Lane in the 12th century - established their first Preceptory Chapel. The City also proposes to close part of Cursitor Street and Breams Buildings, adding new trees and cycle parking facilities. Northbound traffic would have to use Fetter Lane, Kingsway or Carey Street.
An exhibition of the proposals is being held at 48 Chancery Lane until Friday 17 April and officers will be available to answer any queries on Tuesdays between midday and 2pm and on Thursdays between 4pm and 6pm.
Reader views (12)
Oh dear, another pedestrian ghetto.
Traffic is part of the life of the city - the 'buzz', if you will. Exhaust pollution is a thing of the past; it is produced by old vehicles that are becoming fewer and fewer. As non-oil based motive power gains share, urban pollution will become a non-issue.
In dense areas we move best when we can trickle through the streets rather than be channeled on to the main roads. Roads with pavements work well; please leave them alone.
- Norman, In exile from this sort of thing
I agree closing Chancery Lane would be a good thing for pedestrians and cars. As a driver myself it will be a relief not to have to queue for an eternity at the trffic lights to get onto high holborn anymore. I wonder if they will open another road to help with the increased traffic in the area. ?
- Mr S.Port, London
Nice to see that the City Corporation has learned that the bulk of the people who use it daily are pedestrains given that most arrive by public transport.
Those who talk about souless precints obviously dont know Chancery Lane which as its name implies is a small narrow street and ideal for pedestrianisation. It will also mean people will be able to sit outside in confort and not have diesel fumes with their cappachino.
Perhaps we should abolish Boris and city hall and put the city corporation in charge of ALL London?
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
"Every pedestrianised area I can think of has become tawdry and the surrounding areas have suffered. "
- Gary, London
Utter nonsense! It's quite the opposite! Cars and traffic make everything tawdry and grey.
- Rollo, London
I agree with Kimberly. Every "pedestrianised" area I can think of has become tawdry and the surrounding areas have suffered. The occasional closure of a street for a festive occasion can and does work extremely well but the composite photo shown above is a fantasy and reminds me of the "idyllic" images used to promote high-rise housing estates in the 50s/60s. Winos etc. will be rubbing their hands with anticipation - look forward to local workers leaving in protective groups for the Tube; will companies provide escorts for individuals working late?
- Gary, London
"Trafalgar Square has become an empty soulless place thanks to removing the roads"
What utter nonsense! It's an absolute joy to be able to potter across from the fountains into the Tate without having to risk life and limb crossing a motorway. The improvements in noise reduction and lowering of pollution are wonderful. The sooner we have more pedestrianised areas in London the better.
- Andy, London
What a fantastic idea. Narrow streets like Chancery Lane are often just high speed conduits for cabbies and white van drivers buzzing between fares. Now let's follow on with pedestrianisation of Soho and other streets on which cars do not need to run.
Marianne, SW France - "pedestrians and cyclists.... do not mix". Really? And I suppose pedestrians and motorists get along fine? Not according to the thousands of deaths and injuries caused every year.
- Mcw, London
Just one problem with the idyllic view: pedestrians and cyclists (couriers) in a hurry do NOT mix!
- Marianne, SW France
The way the government is mismanaging the economy, the whole of the City will be free of cars and people very soon.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland
The existing traffic will go onto the surrounding roads, causing further congestion and delays for car drivers. These schemes create spaces for drunks and kids to congregate and cause problems. Trafalgar Square has become an empty soulless place thanks to removing the roads, the same will happen for Chancery Lane.
- Kimberley, London
i THINK THIS IS A FANTASTIC IDEA THE BUILDINGS IN THIS STREET ARE A JOY TO LOOK AT
- Terry Chambers, London
This is a beautiful street that is ruined by a rat-run traffic. It's a narrow street that fills with taxi fumes during the day and the noise is horrendous
Let's hope this is the start of many!
- Mark, Hammersmith
