Twickenham’s Church Street is planned to become the borough’s first ‘space to shop’ zone, after an overwhelming majority of consultation respondents backed plans for a pedestrian zone.
In 2020, the council launched a car-free street trial, which appeared to be well received by the majority of nearby residents.
In a subsequent consultation, over 94 per cent of residents and traders said that they felt the pedestrianisation should be continued.
As a result of the measures, many businesses were able to extend their alfresco dining arrangements, drawing more customers to the area.
The Council carried out a consultation and over 1,547 people had their say.
95 per cent of respondents said that the temporary measures had worked well. In addition, many stated that the car-free zone had helped enhance the atmosphere of the street, improved resident safety and supported alfresco dining.
London Fire Brigade had also engaged as part of the consultation, highlighting concerns about access for emergency vehicles – though an agreement was reached with the council according to the consultation report.
An overwhelming majority of respondents backed a permanent pedestrianised zone
The Richmond Cycling campaign expressed support for the scheme, but called for improved signage in the area and more cycle parking.
The council’s transport and air quality committee is set to meet today (March 18) to discuss the proposals to make the scheme permanent, by using traffic management orders.
The council said the proposals will be reviewed to include possible remedial actions to address some of the concerns raised by a small number of people, including arrangements for disabled parking, servicing of properties, cycling provision and street signage.
Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council’s Transport and Air Quality Committee, said:
“I am pleased that we’ve had such a positive response to the pedestrianisation of Church Street. The charm of the road has certainly been enhanced since the car-free zone was implemented, with the reduction in noise and with the provision of space to amble and in a socially distanced manner.
“The overwhelming feedback on pedestrianisation was positive. It really does make you wonder why this change has been so long in the making!
“It’s also great to see the change having a wider impact with news that a Gail’s Bakery selected Church Street for a new store, in part, because of its people-friendly and car-free environment.”
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