Traffic could soon be completely banned from Camden High Street to help tackle overcrowded pavements.

Camden Council has launched a consultation on proposals to shut the street from the junction with Parkway and Kentish Town Road, to the junction with Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent.

The changes would bar traffic from the street 24 hours a day, seven days a week, expect for emergency services and bin lorries, for a trial period of no more than 18 months.

The council said that the restrictions were needed to help prevent congestion and overcrowding on the street’s pavements at peak times.

Camden High Street attracts up to 40,000 visitors at any one time, which, according to the council, often leads to situations where pedestrians have to share the road with traffic.

Under the new plans, traffic, including buses, would travel along Kentish Town Road and Hawley Crescent.

Other proposals include creating new loading and delivery areas on roads surrounding Camden High Street to help businesses.

Buck Street has been earmarked for these new spaces, where goods can be dropped off and sorted.

Vehicles would be able to enter the road from Hawley Crescent, before exiting onto Kentish Town Road.

Jamestown Road would also become one way westbound from the junction with Camden High Street, except for cyclists. Cycling could also continue northbound in High Street.

The plans for Jamestown Road also include space for ‘streateries’ – areas of the road protected by barriers for businesses to use for outside seating.

Paid parking bays in the road would be converted into these ‘streateries’ and loading bays, and a new cycle lane would be built.

A consultation on the plans was launched yesterday (July 8) by Camden Council.

People have been invited to give their views on the proposals, and can comment until August 30.

Councillor Adam Harrison, cabinet member for a sustainable Camden said: “We’re really excited about the opportunity to create more space to celebrate the local culture and community in Camden Town.

“We want to work with local residents, businesses, and community organisations to build a plan of cultural activity and improvements around the pedestrianisation that will embrace Camden High Street’s unique identity and history.

“This in turn will help boost local economic activity, whilst also enabling more events and activities in the local area.

“Ultimately, we want to create a sustainable high street that offers economic, social and health benefits, and that can become an even more vibrant, attractive hub of activity and culture."