New traffic restrictions on Chancery Lane to close road to motorists 12 hours a day

935
New traffic restrictions on Chancery Lane to close road to motorists 12 hours a day
credit City of London Corporation

Motorists will be banned from driving along one of London’s most historic roads for 12 hours each day.

The City of London Corporation has announced new traffic restrictions on Chancery Lane in a bid to make things nicer for pedestrians.

The road will be closed to through traffic 7am to 7pm from 20 February for the next 18 months. The experimental restrictions have been introduced as part of the City of London’s Pedestrian Priority Streets programme.

Black cabs will be exempt, while other vehicles will be able to use the street for access to properties, parking and loading bays. The experiment follows similar measures first introduced during lockdown and they could still be in place next summer.

The Square Mile has asked people to give their views on the scheme before it decides on whether to make the restrictions permanent. The current one-way northbound restriction in Chancery Lane will remain in place and vehicles will be directed to nearby Fetter Lane to travel between Fleet Street and High Holborn.

NOW READ: City donates £50,000 to support those impacted by earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

City of London Corporation’s Streets and Walkways Sub Committee Chairman, Graham Packham, said: “Our Pedestrian Priority Streets programme is aimed at providing more space for pedestrians so they can feel safe and comfortable as they walk around the City.

“We want to make Chancery Lane a more attractive place for people who work in the area, residents and visitors to enjoy spending time in.

“We will be carefully monitoring traffic levels in the area to ensure the scheme doesn’t have an adverse impact on nearby streets, and take feedback from residents, businesses and other street users before making a decision on whether these restrictions remain in place permanently.”

For the latest headlines from the City of London and beyond, follow City Matters on TwitterInstagram and LinkedIn.