Traffic-free plan for Portobello Road to help market traders

The world-famous Portobello Road market will close to traffic on weekdays to help social distancing when lockdown eases, it emerged on Monday.

Kensington and Chelsea council said it will be introducing traffic-free periods between 10am and 4pm on weekdays and Saturdays from June 8. The vehicle ban previously only applied on Saturdays.

The plan hopes to encourage shoppers that social distancing will be easier if there are no vehicles. Councils across the UK have been mulling if it is practical to reopen street markets not selling food and ensure social distancing.

Mark Barr, who runs a puzzles stall and is chairman of the Portobello and Golborne Management Committee, which represents traders, said people having to close during the lockdown has been “devastating”.

Barr welcomed the council’s move: “This is a very good idea. It will make it a better shopping experience for people.”

Traders had been given three months’ rent relief by the council. With lockdowns expected to ease for non-essential retailers from June, stallholders are hoping to return to their pitches.