"FOOT STREETS" HELP WITH LONDON'S TRAFFIC PROBLEM

A scheme is described where 1 km west of Oxford Circus (London's primary shopping street) was closed to ordinary traffic between 1100 and 1900 hours on Mondays to Saturdays, and only buses, taxis and service vehicles were admitted. Surveys indicate the scheme is very successful. The scheme is being experimentally extended to other areas. Nearly 20 years ago, a scheme (Barbican) was begun which was aimed at restoring life to the heart of the city by providing accommodation plus new facilities for work and leisure on the basis of complete pedestrian/vehicle separation principle. By adopting the principle of a podium, with connecting elevated walkways within the site, and linking it to adjacent office areas, the residential neighborhood is made into a pedestrian precinct free from noise and safe from traffic. Streets, service roads and access to garages and parking are either underground or below the podium.