Enabling more people to walk and cycle safely is vital to ensuring a green, healthy and sustainable recovery from the pandemic

Transport for London (TfL) will be making the extension of the pavement on Earls Court Road permanent following a public consultation that showed support for the proposals.

In May last year, TfL made changes to Earls Court Road to provide more space for people walking and to allow them to properly social distance while travelling.

Walking and cycling are a vital part of London's recovery from the pandemic and will help to ensure that people can travel in a healthy and sustainable way.

Greater space on footways makes it easier to walk, especially for disabled people. TfL research shows that, on average, people who regularly walk to the high street spend up to 29 per cent more than people who drive.
Subject to ongoing funding discussions with Government, TfL intends to implement these changes:

  • Making the existing temporary pavement build out between Child's Street and Child's Place permanent
  • Making the existing temporary pavement built out between Earls Court Gardens and Barkston Gardens permanent
  • Reinstating the loading bay near to the Barkston Gardens junction

TfL has listened to feedback from people who responded to the consultation and will use this going forward during the detailed design process that follows the consultation.

The scheme will make the area much more welcoming to people walking and will also help buses to serve bus stops, making it easier for people to use public transport too.

Sam Monck, TfL's Head of Healthy Streets Investment, said: "I'd like to thank the local community for their support in making the changes in the area permanent. Making these changes permanent will create a pleasant and safe environment for people walking. Subject to the relevant funding, we will start work on building these improvements to Earls Court Road in the coming months. Ensuring that London's streets are attractive and people-friendly is vital to ensuring a sustainable recovery from the pandemic."

TfL data* from earlier this year showed that 31 per cent of Londoners say they are walking to places where they used to travel by a different mode, and 57 per cent say they now go on more walks for exercise or walk for longer than they did before

The Mayor and TfL remain committed to their vision of making London the world's most walkable city, as set out in their Walking Action Plan. Walking has a huge number of benefits for Londoners' health and the environment, particularly when people are able to swap car journeys for journeys on foot.

Notes to Editors

  • TfL's Travel in London Report 13, page 39  https://content.tfl.gov.uk/travel-in-london-report-13.pdf
  • Enabling more people to walk and cycle continues to be at the heart of the Mayor's vision to transform London's streets for the better and to create a healthier, cleaner, fairer and more sustainable city for everyone
  • The Mayor is determined to ensure that his work with TfL and the boroughs to make walking and cycling safer and easier continues to be at the forefront of London's recovery