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Protesters' vision of chaos in streets of Knightsbridge
Mira Bar-Hillel, Property Correspondent13.07.09
Roads and pavements are to be merged outside Harrods under a scheme to make pedestrians and cyclists share space with motorists.
But some residents are so angry with the proposal they have produced a bizarre image of what they say the corner would look like. They claim it would increase noise, disruption and anti-social behaviour and that blind and disabled people would be in danger of getting run over.
Council bosses are consulting on plans to remove all road signs from a junction at the back of the Knightsbridge store.
It is Kensington and Chelsea's latest move to encourage Londoners to interact politely and safely with each other instead of relying on traffic lights and pavements to separate them. The council merged the pavements and road outside Sloane Square station and has unveiled similar plans for Exhibition Road in South Kensington.
The other three options either remove pay-and-displays, raise the centre of the junction to slow traffic or widen pavements.
A group of Knightsbridge residents has campaigned against the idea since it was raised last August.
Jordanian businessman Farih Tabbah, 57, drew up the picture of how they fear the street will look.
He said that if the plans were approved, protesters would put up independent candidates at next May's local elections to defeat the Tories and thwart the plan.
"The council is continuing this nonsense of what has become a nightmare residential area around Harrods," he said. "We also want what common sense dictates - that pavements are for walking and streets are for driving."
Mr Tabbah said shared surfaces originated in Dutch villages, where pedestrians and drivers knew each other, and were not suited for one of the most congested areas in London.
"The council must understand that their actions and so-called improvement schemes have brought beggars, prostitutes and drug dealers to our front doors. They should be under no illusion about the level of anger that exists," he said.
Kensington and Chelsea council transport chief Nicholas Paget-Brown said: "A consultation with residents on four different options is currently under way. This reflects the wishes of local people to have a wider range of options than the original proposal allowed."
Reader views (7)
I think they originated in the UK, those shared surfaces, designed for housing estates and with big brick planters dotted around so that cars had to slow and weave about. Hardly the same environment as a busy city centre. I live where there is going to be the same system put in. It means neighbours with eyesight problems won't be able to go out safely anymore. The streets are used by huge reversing delivery lorries, so we need safe pavements. It is a silly and dangerous fad and doesn't even look good.
- Londoner, London UK
This is another example of Kensington & Chelsea councillors pushing their ideas about "shared space" with absolutely no regard for local opinion. Cllr Paget-Brown is "working" the decision process in a disgraceful way (consulting while residents are on holiday). I was shocked recently to visit the area behind Harrods. A previously high end residential area has become the worst sort of bazaar. The result of the Council working hand in hand with commercial interests to the detriment of local residents.
- Donald Cameron, Kensington & Chelsea
Well Done RB K & C for having the courage and being so forward thinking to tackle the absurd domination of the car that has blighted our towns and cities for over half a century. Why are some people so stupid and small-minded when it comes to trying new ideas? Those that still insist on driving around inner London instead of getting off their fat backsides and walking or cycling or taking the bus just deserve our contempt. Selfish, lazy, ignorant motorists poisoning all of us with their filthy fumes are no better than paedos!
- Thomas, London
Why don't we ban private cars and lorries in central London between 7am and 9am and 4pm and 6pm. That way, all the parents who insist on double parking outside schools to drop off kids at school will be using their legs for what they were intended - to walk - either to school or to the bus stop and help keep roads clear for public transport and people commuting in greener ways such as cycling. If you have a pair of working legs there is absolutely no excuse not to cycle to work, walk or use public transport. It is so utterly selfish and foolish to be using cars for short journeys around town.
- Wendy, London
What a stupid idea! How is this safe or sensible?!
- Adam, London, UK
"prostitutes and drug dealers to our front doors"... I'm sure its all high class 
- Harsh But Fair, London
I think Mr Tabbah protests too much.
"The council must understand that their actions and so-called improvement schemes have brought beggars, prostitutes and drug dealers to our front doors." In Knightsbridge? Come on Mr Tabbah, is the real reason you are unhappy is because you might not be able to park your Rolls Royce outside your house?
- Peter, London
