Overview

• On July 30, residents represented by law firm Broadfield filed a judicial review arguing the unconsulted barriers block vehicle access from 10am to 4pm every market day and trap motorists in their homes.
• The Royal Borough installed concrete bollards and H-stop barriers under Metropolitan Police counterterrorism guidance to protect pedestrians from potential vehicle attacks during peak trading hours.
• Council officials say they have coordinated with the Met Police and emergency services to ensure ambulances, fire engines and other responders can pass through barrier openings as needed.
• Local traders report revenue drops of up to 50% and say they must unload heavy or bulk goods hundreds of yards from their stalls because delivery vehicles cannot park nearby.
• Kensington and Chelsea Council is conducting case-by-case discussions with residents and businesses to develop a permanent traffic management and security scheme for Portobello Road.