Tottenham Court Road: A Taxi's Tale

Tottenham Court Road, a name synonymous with London's vibrant West End, has recently undergone a significant transformation. Camden Council's approved scheme to revamp this bustling thoroughfare represents more than just a facelift; it embodies a broader shift in how central London manages its increasingly precious highway space. This article delves into the specifics of the Tottenham Court Road scheme, examining its historical context, its impact on public transport, and crucially, the contentious issue of taxi access.

A Road Steeped in History

The very name 'Tottenham Court Road' evokes a sense of history, stemming from its original designation as the route from St Giles to a now-vanished mansion. While little is known about the original Tottenham Court, the road's development has been intrinsically linked to its parallel neighbour, Gower Street. Gower Street, a significant artery in its own right, has a rich history, having been home to notable figures and housing a substantial part of University College London. Its early adoption of public transport, evidenced by a mention of a 'Gower Street omnibus' in the early 1900s, highlights its long-standing importance.

Connectivity: The Tube and Beyond

Tottenham Court Road's strategic importance is amplified by its excellent Underground connectivity. The station at its southern end, while currently served by the Northern Line, is set to be further enhanced by the return of the Central Line and, from December 2018, Crossrail. While the Crossrail entrances will be south of Oxford Street, the overall improvement in public transport links is undeniable. The station's redevelopment, despite some controversy surrounding the preservation of Paolozzi murals, promises a revitalised experience for commuters. Goodge Street station, originally named Tottenham Court Road, also serves the area, albeit with limited lift access, a common characteristic of some older Zone 1 stations. Warren Street, at the road's northern end, provides further Northern and Victoria Line services. The prospect of Crossrail 2 stations at either end of the road further solidifies its status as a key transport hub.

A Bus Corridor of Significance

Tottenham Court Road is not just vital for the Underground; it's a crucial corridor for London's bus network. Camden Council's scheme acknowledges this, highlighting that over 4,000 people an hour use the buses along this route, with thousands more passing through. Routes such as the 24, 29, 134, and 73 carry tens of thousands of passengers hourly, transporting more people than entire regional tram systems. This emphasis on buses underscores the street's role as a mass transit corridor.

The Swinging Sixties and the One-Way Revolution

The 1960s marked a period of dramatic change for London's streetscape, and Tottenham Court Road was no exception. Alongside the construction of iconic landmarks like Centre Point and the Post Office Tower, and the creation of the Euston Underpass, the road itself underwent a significant alteration. On May 1st, 1961, Tottenham Court Road and Charing Cross Road (north of Cambridge Circus) became one-way northbound, with southbound traffic diverted along Gower Street and other parallel routes. This one-way system, a popular solution to the burgeoning private car ownership of the era, was intended to improve traffic flow. The width of Tottenham Court Road and Gower Street, suitable for three lanes but not four, made them prime candidates for such schemes. The controversial decision to allow Centre Point to be built higher in exchange for a proposed roundabout at St Giles Circus ultimately failed to materialise, leaving behind a somewhat windswept bus stand.

The Shifting Sands of Road Management

The legacy of 1960s traffic engineering, with its emphasis on one-way streets and gyratory systems, has been re-evaluated over time. The negative impacts of these measures on local communities and pedestrian experience have led to many being dismantled. Schemes in Piccadilly and Pall Mall have been reversed, with further changes planned for Vauxhall and Elephant & Castle. The initial aims of speeding up traffic flow often overlooked the crucial aspect of maximising road space utilisation. One-way systems, while seemingly efficient, can lead to longer, more circuitous journeys, paradoxically increasing overall traffic. Similarly, banned right turns, while intended to streamline traffic, can inconvenience drivers and limit pedestrian crossing opportunities.

The unintended consequences of these past decisions became increasingly apparent. Pedestrian subways, designed for safety, proved difficult for the infirm and, due to safety concerns, often led to fewer people walking, thus segregating neighbourhoods or encouraging car use. Cyclists found themselves navigating faster, more aggressive traffic with little dedicated provision. Bus services also suffered, with passenger numbers dropping as routes became less direct and harder to navigate. The perceived extra road space was quickly filled by returning traffic, negating any initial benefits for bus operators.

Clustering and the Changing Face of Retail

Historically, London's districts were known for their specialised clusters of businesses – Fleet Street for newspapers, Charing Cross Road for books. Tottenham Court Road itself was once a hub for electronics and later, early computers. While these distinct enclaves have largely diminished, the northern end still boasts a cluster of furniture stores, with the southern end retaining a presence of electronics and computer shops, albeit now dominated by chain stores. As Tottenham Court Road evolves into a more general shopping street, its proprietors must actively work to attract shoppers, especially with the proximity of Oxford Street.

The Crossrail Effect: A Catalyst for Change

Crossrail has been a significant catalyst for the recent changes on Tottenham Court Road, though perhaps not in the ways initially anticipated. The construction itself, with its extensive worksite on Charing Cross Road, inevitably delayed redevelopment plans. However, this delay provided an opportunity for a more considered and ambitious approach to emerge. Crucially, the road width restrictions imposed during construction led to a reported 30% decrease in traffic, with no discernible increase on surrounding routes. This demonstrated the principle of 'induced demand' – that increasing road space inevitably leads to more traffic. Camden Council's forward-thinking scheme aims to capitalise on this reduction, ensuring the reclaimed space is used efficiently and not simply surrendered back to motorised traffic.

Beyond the immediate construction impact, Crossrail's influence extends to the 'urban realm' improvements around the stations. However, Camden's proposals encompass the entire length of the road, aligning with broader recommendations for creating pleasant walking routes to encourage active travel from the new transport hubs. The emphasis is on making the 'last mile' of the journey enjoyable and accessible on foot.

Camden's Bold Vision Approved

On January 23rd, 2015, Camden Council approved its £41 million scheme for Tottenham Court Road. This ambitious plan significantly restricts through traffic, allowing only buses and cycles between 8 am and 7 pm, Monday to Saturday. The aim is to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, with displaced traffic rerouted to Gower Street, which will revert to two-way use. This pro-cycling stance from Camden is not new, and this scheme is seen as a way to further encourage walking, cycling, and bus use. The groundwork for this was laid years prior, with TfL's redesign of Euston Circus specifically incorporating provisions for a two-way Tottenham Court Road.

Taxi Drivers' Discontent

The exclusion of taxis from the list of permitted vehicles on Tottenham Court Road has been met with strong opposition from taxi drivers. Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA), has labelled the scheme 'madness' and 'farcical,' arguing that it disregards the essential role taxis play in the metropolis. However, the council clarifies that taxis will not be entirely banned. They will be permitted to access designated side streets for pick-ups, set-downs, and deliveries along significant sections of the road, but will be prevented from using it as a through route. Camden Councillor Phil Jones stated that allowing taxis full access would lead to increased congestion, worse air quality, and more collisions. While taxi drivers express concerns about the precedent this sets, particularly regarding potential restrictions on Oxford Street, Camden's detailed assessment suggests a legal challenge is unlikely to succeed.

The Wider Implications: Oxford Street and Beyond

The Tottenham Court Road scheme, while significant, is not an isolated event. Its success hinges on how neighbouring boroughs, particularly Westminster, respond. The potential for businesses to shift from Oxford Street to Tottenham Court Road if the latter becomes more attractive is a real consideration. Oxford Street presents a more complex challenge, primarily due to the difficulty of managing displaced traffic. Westminster's reluctance to increase traffic on parallel streets adds another layer of complexity. The ultimate decision-making power for Oxford Street rests with Westminster Council, not the Mayor of London, making calls for pedestrianisation or radical changes dependent on their willingness to act.

The debate around Oxford Street's future often sees proposals for full pedestrianisation, aiming to create Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street. However, the practicalities of managing traffic flow and the political will to implement such drastic measures remain key hurdles. Mayoral hopefuls have voiced strong opinions, but the ability of the Mayor to enact such changes is limited to encouragement and advocacy.

The Future of Central London's Roads

The coming years are set to witness considerable change in central London's road network. The introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2020 will further reduce traffic in the short term. TfL is also exploring smarter ways to manage freight deliveries and optimise traffic flow. Coupled with Camden's Tottenham Court Road scheme and TfL's own cycle highway project from Tower Hill to Royal Oak, central London is poised to become significantly more pedestrian and cycle-friendly. This evolution will undoubtedly spark further debate on how the remaining road space should be allocated, promising a dynamic period of transformation for the city's streets.

In conclusion, while the question of whether Tottenham Court Road is open to taxis has a nuanced answer – yes, with restrictions – the underlying story is one of evolving urban planning. The scheme reflects a growing understanding of the detrimental effects of excessive traffic and a commitment to creating more people-centric public spaces. The impact on taxis, while a point of contention, is part of a broader strategy to rebalance London's streets for the benefit of all.

Key Takeaways:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can taxis still go down Tottenham Court Road?
Yes, but with significant restrictions. Taxis can use designated side streets to pick up or drop off passengers but cannot travel the entire length of the road as a through route between 8 am and 7 pm, Monday to Saturday. Outside these hours, access may be more flexible, but the primary aim is to reduce through traffic.

Q2: Why are taxis being restricted?
Camden Council's decision is based on an assessment that allowing taxis full access would lead to increased traffic congestion, poorer air quality, and a higher risk of road traffic collisions. The scheme aims to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists, and bus users, making the street more pleasant and efficient for mass transit.

Q3: What is the alternative for taxis?
Taxis will be able to access parts of Tottenham Court Road via side streets. The council reports that 60% of the street will be accessible via these routes. Gower Street, which runs parallel, will become two-way and will likely be used by taxis and other vehicles diverted from Tottenham Court Road.

Q4: Will this affect Oxford Street?
Taxi drivers are concerned that the Tottenham Court Road restrictions could set a precedent for similar measures on Oxford Street. While the two situations are not identical due to different traffic dynamics and council responsibilities, it is a valid concern for the taxi industry regarding future traffic management policies in central London.

Q5: What is the overall goal of the Tottenham Court Road revamp?
The primary goal is to create a more attractive, pedestrian-friendly environment that prioritises public transport and active travel. By reducing through traffic and improving the streetscape, Camden Council aims to enhance the experience for shoppers, residents, and visitors, while also improving air quality and safety.

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