The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 23 March 2026 to consider a call-in regarding the Fitzjohn's Avenue Area Safe and Healthy Streets scheme. The Committee ultimately approved the original decision to implement the scheme, rejecting the call-in request.

Fitzjohn's Avenue Area Safe and Healthy Streets Scheme

The primary focus of the meeting was the call-in of the decision made by the Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden on 26 February 2026, concerning the implementation of permanent Healthy Streets changes on Fitzjohn's Avenue and Heath Street, and a trial Healthy School Street on College Crescent.

Councillor Tom Simon, who initiated the call-in, presented the reasons for challenging the decision. Key concerns included the loss of the southbound St Mary's bus stop, the design and safety of bus stop bypasses, the extent of shared cycle and pedestrian pavements, and the narrowing of the pavement outside 88 Fitzjohn's Avenue. Councillor Simon argued that the loss of the St Mary's bus stop would disproportionately affect older and less mobile residents, and that the proposed shared pavement areas were not well-justified. He also expressed concerns about the safety implications of the reduced pavement width outside two schools.

John Chamberlain, representing the Camden Cycling Campaign, and Alessandra Giuliani, on behalf of Green School Runs, presented deputations. Both supported the scheme, highlighting its benefits for cyclist safety, cleaner air, and improved school journeys. They acknowledged some technical concerns but believed these could be addressed during the detailed design phase.

Officers responded to the points raised in the call-in, providing detailed explanations and justifications for the proposed measures. They addressed concerns about bus stop consolidation, explaining that the distance between remaining stops would comply with Transport for London (TfL) guidance and that the relocated southbound stop would actually be closer for some schools. Regarding bus stop bypasses, officers cited national and TfL guidance, noting that safety audits had not identified significant concerns and that pedestrian priority measures would be implemented. They defended the use of shared pavement sections as necessary for connectivity and designed with children and less confident cyclists in mind. On the pavement narrowing outside 88 Fitzjohn's Avenue, officers stated that the width had been increased to 2 metres at its narrowest point following consultation, and that this represented a balance of competing space demands.

Following extensive debate among committee members, the majority voted to approve the original decision. Councillor Simon advocated for a modified approach, while another member suggested further in-depth consideration of specific aspects. However, the prevailing view was to support the scheme as a whole, recognising the extensive consultation and design work already undertaken. The Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden acknowledged the ongoing importance of school run safety and indicated that future schemes would be considered.

Other Business

The Chair announced that this was his last meeting as he was standing down at the next election, thanking officers and members for their support over his 14 years chairing the Committee. Members expressed their gratitude and wished him well.

The meeting concluded at 8:15 pm.