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Borough Market is one of London’s most popular food markets, attracting tens of millions of visitors every year. It’s the sort of place you’d assume is wholly pedestrianised, but it actually isn’t. Bedale Street runs through the market between Borough High Street and Cathedral Street, and up to now it’s been open to traffic – and apparently responsible for 800 ‘near miss’ incidents between pedestrians and drivers every week.
In an attempt to make Borough Market safer for pedestrians and cut down on those near misses, Southwark Council has revealed plans to reduce vehicle access to Bedale Street in peak hours. The council is installing a barrier at the junction of Bedale Street and Borough High Street, with the aim of slashing traffic when the market is busiest.
The barrier will close off Bedale Street to through traffic between 10am and 5pm on weekdays and 9am and 5pm at weekends, with only designated vehicles like residents’ private vehicles, traders’ delivery vans and emergency services allowed. It’ll be installed next month and managed by staff.
Councillor James McAsh, cabinet member for clean air, streets and waste, said of the scheme: ‘Borough Market is one of Southwark’s most visited destinations and we’re working hard with partners to ensure it remains a safe place for residents, visitors, and traders.
‘Bedale Street sees huge numbers of pedestrians, and too often they’re competing for space with vehicles. This temporary barrier will protect people walking, reduce traffic, and help us test a better long-term solution for access and safety in the area.’
All of which is no doubt good news for pedestrian safety around Borough Market. But Southwark Council has faced criticism – specifically for taking so long to install a barrier. According to Southwark News, the market’s Market Trust apparently warned the council about dangers to visitors two years ago.
The initial barrier will only be temporary while Southwark figures out a permanent, unmanned solution.
RECOMMENDED: 😋 Time Out’s ultimate guide to Borough Market.
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