// London’s Regent Street to be pedestrianised as part of Traffic Free Saturdays
// On December 5, 12, and 19, Regent Street will be pedestrianised from 10am to 9pm for visitors
// The West End is seeking to encourage footfall once the lockdown is lifted in England on Wednesday
London’s Regent Street is set to be pedestrianised in the lead up to Christmas in an effort to allow visitors to “shop comfortably and view Christmas installations”.
West End retailers and restaurant owners are coming together as part of ‘My West End’ to orchestrate a series of Traffic Free Saturdays.
On December 5, 12, and 19, Regent Street will be pedestrianised from 10am to 9pm for visitors.
READ MORE: Footfall in London’s West End remains stubbornly low
The West End is seeking to encourage footfall once the lockdown is lifted in England on Wednesday.
Non-essential services in England shut on November 5 for four weeks as part of a second lockdown to reduce Covid-19 cases.
With retail opening back up, West End retailers are banking on the new pedestrianisation and Christmas lights to lure customers back into stores.
“Visiting the West End at Christmas is a magical experience offering something for everyone, so I’m delighted that Londoners will be able to soak up the atmosphere in safety and comfort during these traffic-free days,” Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said.
“Businesses across London have worked incredibly hard to make their premises Covid-safe, and I am really pleased that they are able to open their doors again.
“Supporting retailers and restauranteurs over the Christmas period will help them now and in the future, as they play a key role in London’s economic recovery.
“I’m urging Londoners to enjoy the festive period in the capital safely. We have all made sacrifices over recent weeks and months, and it is crucial that the Christmas period doesn’t see a reversal of the progress made in getting on top of the virus – especially when a vaccine is in sight.”
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