Boulevards plan for London

A radical redesign of London could see some of its busiest streets transformed into Parisian-style boulevards.

Pedestrianised zones lined with trees and cafes are planned at 100 key sites across the capital.

Mayor Ken Livingstone wants to continue his assault on traffic by encouraging people to walk or use public transport.

He hopes to turn Marylebone and Euston roads into a cafe-lined boulevard much like the Champs Elysees.

A more adventurous scheme would see a three-mile pedestrian walkway from Primrose Hill in North London to the South Bank arts centre - dubbed 'Nash Ramblas' after 18th century architect John Nash and Las Ramblas in Barcelona.

This would include a road reversal scheme, in which a wide path would replace existing traffic lanes and vehicles would be channelled into paths presently used by pedestrians.

Other projects in the pipeline include improvements to public spaces in Croydon, Kensington, Brixton and Havering.

Architect Sir Terry Farrell, who is drawing up the plans, said: 'There is tremendous backing for this.'

Although no firm designs have been tabled, Mr Livingstone has given his backing to Transport for London's feasibility studies.

The AA said: 'Pedestrianisation can work but you have to have a good public transport network.'