Work has begun on Regent Street to give more space for pedestrians and cyclists in time for Christmas.

Wider footways will create 5000m2 of additional space for those on foot and new cycle lanes and bicycle parking stands will be installed. Bus stops are to be enhanced and road space will be reduced for traffic, allowing only a single vehicle lane in each direction.

 In addition, trees will be planted to help improve air quality and more seating will be installed to allow people to rest.

The Crown Estate, which manages Regent Street, said the works build upon the recent experience of a reduction in traffic. Its director James Cooksey added the upgrade will help “to reinforce the compelling offer of the West End and further secure our place as one of the country's best loved destinations”.

Westminster City Council leader Rachael Robathan welcomed the investment to “create a safe, green and inspiring environment in a key location”.

A few miles west, a new taskforce set up by Government to look at ways of safely reopening Hammersmith Bridge has considered emergency stabilisation works and discussed options for a temporary solution for pedestrians and cyclists, including a ferry service to shuttle between the two riverbanks.

The taskforce hopes that access across the river can be restored by early next year.

Project director Dana Skelley said: “We continue to work tirelessly to identify the issues, solutions and timelines for reopening the bridge and will provide more information on these in due course.”

She added: “The taskforce is grateful for the constructive suggestions which have been forthcoming from both groups and individuals. We will hold a virtual meeting with resident representatives to allow them to put their questions directly to senior representatives.”

The taskforce is chaired by Transport Minister Baroness Vere and includes Professor Norman Fleck, a fracture mechanics and materials specialist, as well as representatives from the London boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Richmond upon Thames, the Greater London Authority, Transport for London and the Port of London Authority.

Hammersmith Bridge closed to all users in August after a heatwave caused cracks in the 133 year old structure to worsen. The bridge had been shut to motor vehicles since spring 2019 when micro fractures were discovered in the cast iron casings around the bridge pedestals.

(Photograph: BDP)