Cars will be banned from Camden High Street as council moves to pedestrianise iconic area that attracts 40,000 visitors at peak times

One of London's most famous shopping roads could be pedestrianised due to regular overcrowding with up to 40,000 people on the street at peak times.

Camden High Street in North London is hugely popular particularly with tourists, but pedestrians regularly spill into the road while trying to walk along the pavement.

The council is becoming increasingly concerned about the potential for accidents involving cars and is therefore suggesting a 'motor traffic-free' part of the road.

This pedestrian-only section would run from the junction with Parkway and Kentish Town Road, to the junction with Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent.

Camden Council is also working out how to reroute buses through the area with Transport for London, which has provided £130,000 for a trial to be developed.

Adam Harrison, the council's cabinet member for sustainability, told BBC Radio London that the high street often gets 'so very, very crowded' with visitors.

The councillor said: 'There could be up to 40,000 on the high street at peak times. We know there is a real potential for collisions between civilians and vehicles.'

The trial would initially last for 18 months if passed, with the council hoping it would accommodate huge visitor numbers and support hospitality and retail firms.

A public consultation went live this week and will run to August 30. If it goes ahead, the trial is expected to launch from the end of this year or early next year.

The council said it wanted to 'seek to create a space that is not only safer, but also healthier, and creates opportunities to improve the reclaimed space'. 

Mr Harrison added in a statement: 'We know that Camden Town is an internationally recognised destination and a locally important transport connection.

'Camden High Street's iconic markets, music venues and range of businesses make it a vibrant place, catering to visitors and Camden residents alike.

'The high street is the gateway to this. However, with over 40,000 visitors at peak times, the area also experiences significant overcrowding, with not enough space for people to enjoy their time in the area.'

Simon Pitkeathley, chief executive of the Camden Town Unlimited business group, said: 'Camden Town's pedestrianisation trial is a game-changer for local businesses.

'By creating a more walkable and welcoming environment, pedestrianisation will enhance the customer experience, increase foot traffic, and pave the way for a vibrant, activated high street.

'It's a really exciting time for Camden Town, and we're looking forward to seeing how this scheme will transform the experience of arriving in Camden. 

'By prioritising pedestrian-friendly spaces, the high street will be much more accessible to businesses, visitors and residents.'

The trial would be brought in under an 'experimental traffic order' which would last for a maximum of 18 months. The consultation began on Monday.