Growing concern about air quality along London’s Euston Road has led a group of businesses to launch a signposted alternative route for pedestrians travelling between St Pancras International and Euston rail stations.

 

The designated ‘Wellbeing Walk’, developed by Urban Partners, takes commuters on a route which is said to be up to 65% less polluted than the Euston Road via Eversholt Street, Phoenix Road and Brill Place.

 

Urban Partners chair Joyce Lorigan said: “We all have deeply ingrained habits when it comes to our daily commute and we rarely stop to consider the alternatives. The Wellbeing Walk offers a healthier, less stressful route for the tens of thousands of people that travel between Euston, St Pancras International and King’s Cross each day.”

 

Euston Road has been identified as one of the 50 most polluted roads in the country. Statistics from Camden Council’s air quality team show that levels of nitrogen dioxide are significantly over the legal limit. In some parts of London as many as one in 12 deaths are thought to be partly attributed to the effects of particle air pollution.

 

Camden Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transport Phil Jones welcomed the introduction of the Wellbeing Walk. “Not only will it enhance the experience of the hundreds of commuters who walk between our two major stations every day, but it will support the ongoing regeneration around the Charlton Street Market and Somers Town,” which are located on the new route.

 

♦ Greater Manchester is introducing countdown timers at key traffic signals in the city centre to improve safety for pedestrians. The technology – which has already been installed widely in London – allows people to make informed decisions on whether to cross the road or wait.

 

The first timer was installed at the Princess Street and Charles Street junction earlier this week, with more to be introduced over the coming months.

 

(Photo: David Holt and licensed for reuse under this Creative Common Licence)