The City of London Corporation is ramping up its transport recovery plan, designed to ensure the gradual and safe return of people who work, live and visit the Square Mile.

The Policy and Resources Committee today (11 June) endorsed Phase Two of the recovery plan offering support for City businesses through the introduction of various transportation and public realm changes.

The initiative is primarily based on walking, cycling and the managed use of public transport in order to provide the space needed to comfortably and safely maintain social distancing on City streets.

Phase One of the scheme has now been largely completed. This includes providing more space for people walking on Threadneedle Street, Old Broad Street and Cannon Street; and the introduction of timed closures and changes on Coleman Street, Lombard Street and St Mary Axe.

Phase Two will see a further seven kilometres of streets being temporarily changed, including the reallocation of highway to pedestrians and cyclists on Fleet Street and Moorgate, timed closure of Moorfields to motor vehicles and the closure of Chancery Lane to through traffic.

The initiative will remain adaptable to changing circumstances with the measures able to be scaled up or down as required to ensure the safety of all City workers, residents and visitors set to return in coming weeks in line with Government guidance.

Alastair Moss, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, said:

“We are changing the City streets now to give reassurance to people as they plan to return to work, as and when government guidance allows.

“Our immediate focus is on ensuring the safety of those people who are unable to work from home and who will be returning to the City imminently.

“Our recovery plan dedicates generous space for City workers, residents and visitors to move around on foot and by bike both safely and comfortably.

“We are ready to support the safe, sustainable and gradual return of people to the City, as it again becomes the thriving world-class centre for business.”

Dan Scanlon, Chair of CPA and Senior Vice President of Developments at Brookfield Properties, said:

“This is an important milestone in the City of London’s social and economic recovery, and will provide further confidence to enable the safe return of workers and visitors to the area.

“It also provides long-term opportunities to transform the City for the better, through the reduction of traffic and creation of more safe and open spaces for cyclists and pedestrians alike.”

For more on the City Streets recovery initiative, including the full list of streets affected, click here.

For frequently asked questions, click here.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

City Property Association (CPA) is a not-for-profit membership body and advocacy group representing the leading owners, investors, professional advisors and developers of real estate in the City of London and its neighbouring commercial districts.

Established in 1904, the Association has over 150 corporate members, including nine FTSE 100 and 250 companies. www.citypropertyassociation.com