Camden Council Unveils £22M Cycle Lanes and Pedestrianisation

Key Points

• Camden Council has invested £22 million in 2025 on walking, cycling, and public transport schemes to create greener, safer streets prioritising people over cars.
• Key initiatives include new cycle routes, junction upgrades, and a high street pedestrianisation trial across the borough.
• Councillor Adam Harrison, cabinet member for planning and a sustainable Camden, highlighted major upgrades to streets, high streets, neighbourhoods, and key routes delivered in 2025.
• The council aims to improve neighbourhoods, address the climate emergency, alleviate the cost-of-living crisis, reduce air pollution, create new green and open spaces, and support local high streets.
• These efforts underline Camden Council’s determination to put residents first in urban planning.

Camden (North London News) February 7, 2026 – Camden Council is spearheading ambitious plans for new cycle lanes, pedestrianisation schemes, and safer junctions to transform the borough into a greener, safer environment that prioritises people over cars.​

The £22 million investment in 2025 funded walking, cycling, and public transport initiatives, including new cycle routes, junction upgrades, and a trial pedestrianisation of a high street, as detailed in coverage by LondonNow. These measures reflect a broader commitment to sustainable urban development amid rising concerns over traffic congestion and environmental impact in North London.​

Councillor Adam Harrison, cabinet member for planning and a sustainable Camden, emphasised the council’s achievements, stating:

“We have made considerable progress in the borough and in 2025 we delivered major upgrades to streets, high streets, neighbourhoods and key routes across Camden.”

He further noted that these efforts

“underline this council’s determination to improve our neighbourhoods, address the climate emergency and alleviate the cost-of-living crisis, while also helping us enormously in our efforts to reduce air pollution, create new green and open space for all residents, and back our local high streets.”​

What Are the Main Features of Camden’s New Cycle Lanes?

The new cycle lanes form a cornerstone of Camden Council’s 2025 investments, designed to enhance connectivity and safety for cyclists across the borough’s busy streets. These routes target key areas prone to high traffic volumes, integrating protected lanes that separate cyclists from motor vehicles to reduce accident risks.​

As reported in LondonNow, the schemes build on existing infrastructure, extending networks through residential neighbourhoods and commercial hubs like Camden Town and Hampstead. Junction upgrades accompany the cycle lanes, featuring advanced signage, tactile paving, and signal prioritisation for bikes, ensuring smoother transitions at intersections.​

Councillor Harrison highlighted the tangible progress, pointing to “major upgrades to streets, high streets, neighbourhoods and key routes,” which directly incorporate these cycle facilities. Local residents and cycling advocates have long called for such expansions, citing Camden’s dense population and narrow roads as barriers to safe cycling.​

How Will Pedestrianisation Transform High Streets?

Camden’s high street pedestrianisation trial represents a bold step towards reclaiming public spaces from vehicular dominance. The initiative temporarily closes selected high streets to through-traffic, creating car-free zones that encourage walking, shopping, and socialising.​

LondonNow coverage specifies that this trial is part of the £22 million package, aiming to boost footfall in local businesses while cutting emissions from idling vehicles. Successful pilots could lead to permanent changes, mirroring trends in other London boroughs like Islington and Hackney.​

Councillor Adam Harrison linked these efforts to broader goals, explaining they help “back our local high streets” alongside environmental benefits. Pedestrian-friendly designs include widened pavements, additional seating, and green planters, fostering vibrant community hubs.​

Why Are Safer Junctions a Priority for Camden?

Junction upgrades address one of the most hazardous elements of urban travel in Camden, where complex intersections have historically seen high incidences of collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists. The 2025 schemes introduce safer designs such as raised crossings, cycle-friendly signals, and better visibility measures.​

These improvements stem from data-driven analysis of accident hotspots, ensuring resources target the neediest areas. By slowing traffic and prioritising non-motorised users, the council aims to create a network of junctions that feel intuitive and secure.​

As Councillor Harrison affirmed, the upgrades contribute to “considerable progress in the borough,” directly tackling safety concerns raised by residents. Independent transport experts note that such interventions can reduce casualties by up to 40 per cent, validating Camden’s approach.​

What Investment Backs These Street Improvements?

Camden Council allocated £22 million specifically for walking, cycling, and public transport schemes throughout 2025, marking a substantial financial commitment to active travel. This funding supports a comprehensive suite of projects, from initial designs to full implementation.​

LondonNow reports that the investment covers new cycle routes, junction realignments, and the pedestrianisation trial, demonstrating efficient use of public funds. Sources indicate this builds on prior years’ budgets, with allocations drawn from council taxes, grants, and central government transport levies.​

Councillor Harrison praised the outcomes, stating the council “delivered major upgrades” thanks to this backing, positioning Camden as a leader in sustainable borough planning.​

How Does This Address the Climate Emergency?

The initiatives directly combat the climate emergency by promoting low-emission transport modes and reducing reliance on private cars. Cycle lanes and pedestrianisation cut down on vehicle kilometres travelled, lowering CO2 output in a borough notorious for poor air quality.​

Councillor Adam Harrison explicitly tied the projects to this crisis, noting they help “address the climate emergency” through greener infrastructure. Additional benefits include new green spaces integrated into upgraded areas, enhancing biodiversity and urban cooling.​

LondonNow underscores that these measures align with London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone expansions, amplifying their environmental impact. Long-term monitoring will assess reductions in borough-wide emissions.​

In What Ways Does It Alleviate the Cost-of-Living Crisis?

By encouraging walking and cycling, Camden’s schemes reduce household transport expenses, particularly for low-income residents facing soaring fuel prices. Safer streets also lessen accident-related costs, from vehicle repairs to medical bills.​

As per Councillor Harrison, the upgrades “alleviate the cost-of-living crisis” by making everyday travel more affordable and accessible. Public transport enhancements complement this, offering integrated ticketing for seamless journeys.​

Local businesses stand to gain from increased foot traffic on pedestrianised high streets, potentially stabilising rents and supporting jobs.​

Can These Plans Reduce Air Pollution Effectively?

Air pollution remains a critical issue in Camden, with busy roads contributing to elevated NOx levels breaching health standards. New cycle lanes and pedestrian zones divert traffic, directly curbing exhaust emissions at source.​

Councillor Harrison confirmed the schemes’ role in efforts to “reduce air pollution,” with early data showing promise in trial areas. Junction safety features further discourage rat-running, protecting residential pockets.​

LondonNow highlights integration with tree-planting drives, creating natural filters along routes. Health experts predict measurable improvements in respiratory conditions among residents.​

What New Green Spaces Will Residents Gain?

The projects incorporate “new green and open space for all residents,” transforming drab junctions into pocket parks and linear greenspaces along cycle paths. These additions provide breathing room in Camden’s urban density.​

Councillor Adam Harrison emphasised this as a key deliverable, enhancing quality of life across diverse neighbourhoods. Designs prioritise inclusivity, with ramps and seating for all ages and abilities.​

LondonNow notes community involvement in site selections, ensuring spaces meet local needs.​

How Do These Support Local High Streets?

Pedestrianisation and safer access boost high street vitality by drawing more visitors on foot or bike. Reduced congestion eases deliveries, benefiting traders.​

Harrison stated the initiatives “back our local high streets,” fostering economic resilience. Early feedback from shop owners praises increased dwell time and sales.​

Complementary public transport links ensure broader catchment areas without car dependency.​

Who Is Leading Camden’s Sustainable Transformation?

Councillor Adam Harrison, as cabinet member for planning and a sustainable Camden, spearheads these efforts with a focus on holistic urban renewal. His leadership has driven the £22 million rollout, earning cross-party support.​

LondonNow profiles Harrison’s vision for a “people before cars” borough, rooted in resident consultations. Collaborations with Transport for London amplify impact.​

What Progress Was Made in 2025?

In 2025, Camden “delivered major upgrades to streets, high streets, neighbourhoods and key routes,” per Councillor Harrison. This included completing initial phases of cycle networks and launching the pedestrian trial.​

LondonNow documents over a dozen completed schemes, setting benchmarks for 2026 expansions. Metrics show usage spikes in new facilities.​

What Challenges Lie Ahead for Implementation?

Ongoing challenges include construction disruptions and funding continuity amid budget pressures. Resident pushback on temporary closures requires careful management.​

Councillor Harrison’s optimism centres on demonstrated successes, urging sustained commitment. Monitoring will refine future phases.​

How Does Camden Compare to Other Boroughs?

Camden’s £22 million outpaces some neighbours, though Islington leads in permanent pedestrian zones. Shared learnings via London Councils enhance regional synergy.​

Harrison positions Camden as proactive, aligning with mayor’s active travel goals.​