Road closure plan for Commons

Part of Parliament Square is set to be closed to traffic amid police fears of a suicide car-bomb attack.

The plan to close Abingdon Street in front of the Houses of Parliament is currently being negotiated between Transport for London and the House of
Commons authorities.

But the drastic measure is understood to be a near certainty after police advice, and with the appointment of a new security chief for Westminster next week.

Blocking off the street as it comes into the west side of Parliament Square will bring big changes in central London traffic flows.

Motorists will have to divert through Marsham Street. The move is so controversial that Mayor Ken Livingstone is determined not to be blamed and will make clear responsibility rests with those running the Commons.

But despite any traffic objections, the Standard understands the decision will be swung by specific advice from the Metropolitan Police and the security services. will swing the decision.

Commons leader Peter Hain revealed in a little noticed ministerial statement that the House is to negotiate with the Mayor’s office over traffic through the square. Mr Hain has no formal role in security arrangements, but this was the first official confirmation that closure is being seriously considered.

The plan is just one of a series of measures intended to overhaul the Palace of Westminster’s centuries-old security arrangements.

A leaked security report claimed other moves may include booms on the Thames and higher fences around the parliamentary estate.

Ministers have been worried about the lack of protection for the Palace in the wake of the invasion by pro-hunting protestors and Fathers 4 Justice earlier this year.

Greenpeace protesters also managed to scale Big Ben.

When Mr Livingstone first floated pedestrianising the south side of Parliament Square, as part of his World Squares initiative, London Transport warned it could cause chaos.

And with Trafalgar Square now partially closed, he is said to be wary of seeming to initiate even more traffic problems.

But simply closing Abingdon Street to access, and running traffic down Marsham Street, is less drastic. And this option is seen as the best way to remove a major threat to the front of Parliament.

The new security co-ordinator, who is expected to back the move, is understood to have extensive security service experience.

He will have a duty to report not just to Parliament but to MI5 and Met Police anti-terror chiefs.