Purpose

This report seeks approval from the Director of Environment and Sustainability, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, to make permanent the current trial traffic changes in the Camden High Street area. The scheme has been developed and to improve safety, accessibility, air quality and amenity for pedestrians and cyclists. The report also asks the decision maker to note the high-level feedback received on the potential expanded pedestrianised zone and to also note the proposed next steps for the potential expansion.

The proposal to make permanent the trial scheme would help meet the objectives of We Make Camden by helping Camden’s local economy to be strong, sustainable and inclusive and creating safe, strong and open communities; also supporting Camden to be a green, clean, vibrant, accessible and sustainable place with everyone empowered to contribute to tackling the Climate Emergency.

The Camden High Street Pedestrianisation scheme also contributes to key objectives in the Camden Transport Strategy, the Camden Clean Air Action Plan, the Camden Climate Action Plan, and the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.

This report is presented to the Director of Environment and Sustainability, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, as the authority to take this decision is derived from the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Scheme of Delegation to Officers. Matters not reserved to any Council body are delegated to the relevant Executive Director, who may further delegated them to officers within their Directorate.

Decision

THAT the Director of Environment and Sustainability [having considered the proposals in relation to the objectives set out in Camden’s Transport Strategy, the Consultation Summary Report (Appendix A), the Equality Impact Assessment (Appendix B), the Strategic Policy Alignment (Appendix F) and having had due regard to the needs set out in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010], following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden: 

1. Approve the recommendations to make permanent the current trial changes in place in the Camden High Street area, having considered feedback and objections received; and
2. Delegate authority to the Chief Engineer to take any further decisions required to deliver the making permanent of the current trial changes.
3. Note the high-level feedback received on the potential expanded pedestrianised zone and to also note the proposed next steps for the potential expansion.