Parliament Square is slated to become the next major London landmark to be pedestrianized, with proposals set to go out for public consultation early next year. This move follows decades of debate and comes after the partial closure of Oxford Street to traffic.
The estimated £80 million "Parliament Square Streetscape" project aims to enhance the area, but concerns have been raised by politicians regarding potential safety issues, particularly from cyclists.
Similar to the Oxford Street overhaul, which banned vehicles from a half-mile stretch in late October and introduced benches and trees, the Parliament Square plans are anticipated to restrict vehicular access. Buses will be prohibited from entering the square, though limited access for taxis and school coaches on visits may be permitted. MPs and Peers are expected to review the business case before Christmas, with the project targeting completion by 2031.
Security has been identified as a key driver for the changes, especially following the 2017 Westminster terror attack where a vehicle was driven into the perimeter of the parliamentary estate. However, during recent committee meetings, peers expressed "concern about potential risks to pedestrian safety from cyclists travelling at speed." Assurances were given that "cycle management" mitigations would be implemented.
The concept of pedestrianizing Parliament Square is not new, with plans previously drawn up by architect Norman Foster. The idea was shelved by then-Mayor Boris Johnson in 2008 but revived by Mayor Sadiq Khan upon his election in 2016. The project's timeline and completion could fuel speculation about Khan's future political intentions.
Funding for the project has been a point of discussion, with the Mayor's office previously citing Transport for London's financial constraints. Negotiations regarding the cost-sharing between Parliament, Transport for London, and Westminster City Council were ongoing as of September. Business group London Heritage Quarter has previously released concept designs for the square's future appearance.