Trafalgar Square project begins

London's worst ever hole-in-the-road misery begins this week with Trafalgar Square being dug up - plunging motorists into chaos for at least a year and a half.

In a controversial £25 million pedestrianisation project, the square will get wider pavements, more trees, traffic lights and major new priority schemes for those on foot.

But motoring organisations warn that drivers will suffer huge delays, contend with narrower roads, diversions, intense frustration and longer journeys.

The RAC says reduced road space will leave traffic jams long after the scheme is completed by summer 2003. It says affected surrounding roads will include Piccadilly, Regent Street and Mayfair to the north, and Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge to the south. Traffic could also worsen on Waterloo Bridge.

Motoring: Chaos looms
Comment: No way through
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