Parliament Square poised to be next London landmark pedestrianised - but politicians voice alarm that cyclists will run riot

Parliament Square is poised to be the next London landmark pedestrianised - despite concerns that cyclists will run riot. Proposals are finally due to be put out for consultation early next year, following decades of bitter wrangling. The plans - estimated to cost £80million - are moving forward after shopping mecca Oxford Street was partly closed to traffic. Bicycles, cars, buses and taxis were banned from a half-mile stretch from October 26, with plans to install benches and trees in a £150million overhaul.

But there have been complaints about riders making a mockery of the supposedly pedestrian-friendly environment, as well as gridlock on side-streets. London Mayor Lord Khan has dismissed the criticism, describing the closure of the street as a 'massive moment' that will make the capital more attractive to tourists. Business group London Heritage Quarter published more concept designs for how the square could look in 2023, although the new scheme could be different Lord Khan pledged to make the pedestrianisation happen when he was first elected in 2016 Bicycles, cars, buses and taxis were banned from a half-mile stretch from October 26, with plans to install benches and trees in a £150million overhaul MPs and Peers are expected to be asked to sign off a business case for the so-called 'Parliament Square Streetscape' Project before Christmas.

Security has been cited as one of the main reasons for the change, after the 2017 Westminster terror attack saw a car rammed into the perimeter of the estate. The new arrangements should be fully up and running by 2031, according to details given to Parliamentary committees. Buses will not be able to get into the famous square, although there will be limited access for taxis and school coaches coming on visits. At one recent meeting peers voiced 'concern about potential risks to pedestrian safety from cyclists travelling at speed', and were reassured that there would be 'cycle management' mitigations.

The idea of pedestrianising Parliament Square has been around for decades. Plans were drawn up by renowned architect Norman Foster among others. The idea of pedestrianising Parliament Square has been around for decades. This plan was drawn up by renowned architect Norman Foster in 1998 However, it was dropped by Boris Johnson when he became London Mayor in 2008. Lord Khan pledged to make the pedestrianisation happen when he was first elected in 2016.

He has yet to decide whether to run for another term, and the completion date for the project could fuel speculation about his intentions. The process suffered more hold-ups over recent years after the Mayor argued that Transport for London (TfL) was so strapped for cash it could not contribute to the costs - which were put at £80million in 2022. Funding could still prove an issue as peers were told in September that negotiations were 'ongoing' between Parliament, TfL and Westminster City Council over how it would be split.

Business group London Heritage Quarter published more concept designs for how the square could look in 2023. A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: 'The Mayor has long supported improvements to the public space around Parliament Square. 'This is a shared ambition, and the Mayor, Westminster City Council, Parliament and Transport for London are working in partnership to explore options to make this iconic location safer, more secure and more welcoming.

We will consult on any proposals as they develop.'