Helping Barnet's community and businesses follow social distancing in town centres

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Steps being taken to help town centres meet social distancing rules

In response to COVID-19 we are making changes to town centres in the borough.

The changes to footpaths, roads, parking spaces and loading bays will help free up space so that people can follow social distancing rules while queuing and walking in town centres and high streets.

Changes we have made and are planned to town centres and roads:

  • We have installed temporary barriers on Chipping Barnet High Street, Burnt Oak Town Centre (Watling Avenue) and North Finchley Town Centre (small section of Ballards Lane), Edgware Town Centre (Station Road)
     
  • The installation of temporary barriers is followed by temporary signs and the relocation of loading bays and disabled bays. Where disabled bays are relocated they will be increased by around 50%. 
     
  • Golders Green gyratory will require the relocation of a bus stop southwards from outside the Post Office to outside no.847 Finchley Road.
     
  • We have added social distancing markers on the pavements to remind people to stay alert and keep their distance from other people in town centres.
     
  • Highway barriers are used to stop cars from accessing areas reallocated to pedestrian use.
     
  • Ramps will be installed to help people where there is change in height on footpaths.

There may be further short-term changes from other organisations such as Transport for London (TfL) and these will be published on this page.

We want a strong recovery for our town centres and high streets and we are looking at funding sources and opportunities to help make this happen.

Supporting businesses with social distancing

Our high visibility jacket clad council officers have been out and about visiting businesses and offering advice on how to keep shops safe as lockdown eases.  

COVID-19 business page has more information.

Cycling and social distancing

In the context of COVID-19 we have been looking at ways to support active travel.

To encourage cycling we are developing a temporary segregated cycle lane along the A1000.

Supporting schools with social distancing

We have secured £15,000 from the DFT and close to £78,000 from TfL to help with social distancing measures at 10 schools in the borough.

Designs for the work are being planned and will be presented to the schools, the Department for Education, ward councillors and the chair and vice chair of the Environment Committee for comment.

As designs and proposals are approved, further details will be provided.