High Street Matters: Beyond Cars - Creating Vibrant High Streets Through Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

Are low traffic neighbourhoods killing local businesses, or breathing new life into our high streets?

This episode of High Street Matters explores how reducing vehicle traffic is transforming shopping districts across Britain.

Host Steve Dyson interviews Natalie Lindsay from London's Wandsworth Bridge Road Association about their journey to reclaim a busy main road as a thriving high street. Their annual street fair now attracts 20,000 visitors, proving that people-friendly spaces can increase footfall.

In Birmingham's trendy Kings Heath suburb, Henry Poultney explains how pedestrianising York Road transformed his Grace and James wine and cheese shop into a bustling café destination. With outdoor seating and a continental atmosphere, his business has shifted from 50% retail to 75% hospitality.

The episode also features Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre, who emphasises the importance of including local businesses in planning decisions, noting that "when we think about high streets we want places where people can have a sense of freedom."

Essential listening for independent retailers, local authorities and community groups looking to revitalise their high streets by putting people before cars.

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For more on Bira's mission supporting Britain's independent retailers, visit www.bira.co.uk.

To see the full High Street Matters series visit our podcast resource page.