The authority has been working with Islington Council on proposals to create a ‘healthy neighbourhood’ in Dartmouth Park, closing some streets to through traffic and making some one-way.
The council received extensive feedback, with many – including residents groups – fearing it would push traffic onto already congested roads such as Highgate West Hill.
Others welcomed the plan, telling the Ham&High it was “long overdue”.
After the council distributed 13,963 postcards and put 33 notice boards in the area, around 1,245 people filled in an online survey and 773 sent emails about the scheme.
Camden Council leader Cllr Richard Olszewski said: “Here in Camden, we always listen to the people who live, work and travel in an area when we suggest changes. Because of the feelings and observations you shared we are going back to the drawing board.”
He said the council would revisit its ideas for the area within the three-year Transport Strategy delivery plan as part of a £22 million investment in schemes for active travel, public transport and high streets across the borough.
“The areas around and including Dartmouth Park are an integral part of this and we remain committed to this investment to tackle these issues,” he added.
Andrew Sulston, chair of the Highgate Society, said the society welcomed the decision not to proceed, saying its members share the goal of safe and healthy streets for everyone.
He added: “Achieving this requires well-planned, evidence-based solutions. We welcome the commitment to including consideration of the surrounding streets as well as the streets within the defined area, which must necessarily include the impact on boundary roads and external roads including in nearby Haringey areas as well as in Islington.”
He said the society was ready to work constructively with councillors and the Safe Travel Team to achieve a reduction in pollution and congestion and a healthier and safer environment for everyone.
Cllr Lorna Russell,(Green) who represents Highgate, said the pause was a “sensible and welcome decision”.
She said: “I’m pleased common sense has prevailed.
“As the only Green Party councillor I do want to see improved measures to improve traffic and pollution in the area, and to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.
“I will therefore be staying close to the process to ensure that we can achieve these ambitions with a scaled-back plan that is better suited to the area and reflects the community’s diverse needs.”
