London's West End Plans for Sidewalk Fast Lane

A group of West End business owners plans to direct slower moving foot traffic to walk along storefronts.

1 minute read

November 4, 2010, 8:00 AM PDT

By rysloan4


The plan to encourage shoppers and slower moving foot traffic to walk along storefronts is part of a larger plan to revitalize the West End area in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games. While the line between the "slow-pokes" and fast movers walking on the sidewalk's outer-edge would be virtual, the plan calls for an "army of privately funded Red Caps" to facilitate the desired flow of foot-traffic.

The plan is already attracting criticism, "'It's quite a ludicrous idea- and completely unworkable and impractical," [said] Robert Davis, deputy leader of Westminster City Council. 'The idea that you can herd people along fast and slow lanes is nonsense.'"

Thanks to Ryan Sloan

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 in The Wall Street Journal

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

People walk through Philadelphia International Airport. There is a convince store on the right.

Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction

Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.

6 hours ago - WHYY

A downtown area in Los Angeles, with a Taco Bell visible. People wait to cross the street towards a tall apartment building.

The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city

Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.

7 hours ago - Los Angeles Times

People cross a wide street in San Francisco, with tall buildings in the background.

New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs

The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.

September 23 - Smart Cities Dive