Pedestrianised

Pedestrianised refers to streets or areas that have been reconfigured to prioritise pedestrians by restricting or prohibiting motor vehicle access. The term is common in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries; the American spelling is pedestrianized. Pedestrianised zones can be fully car-free, or allow limited vehicle access during set times or for specific users such as residents, service deliveries, taxis, or emergency vehicles.

They are typically implemented with a mix of design measures including bollards or barriers, planters, raised pavements, widened footways, traffic-calming features, lane realignments, and clear signage. Some pedestrianised areas maintain restricted vehicle access to non-local traffic through permit systems or time windows, while others ban cars altogether along the street or district.

Benefits claimed for pedestrianised areas include improved safety for pedestrians, lower noise and air pollution, enhanced street vitality, and increased footfall for local businesses. They can encourage walking and cycling, support public transport, and contribute to urban regeneration and climate goals.

Critics warn that pedestrianisation can shift traffic to surrounding streets, raise costs for deliveries and logistics, reduce accessibility for people with mobility impairments if not designed carefully, and impact businesses that rely on through traffic. Successful outcomes depend on thoughtful planning, including accessibility considerations, emergency vehicle access, delivery scheduling, public transport routing, maintenance, and clear enforcement.

Examples exist across Europe, notably in cities like Copenhagen, Oslo, and parts of London such as Covent Garden and the Strand. The approach continues to evolve with broader urban mobility strategies emphasizing walkability and liveability.