New counter-terrorism barriers and traffic restrictions on Portobello Road have divided residents, traders and tourists, with some likening the changes to a scene from a different era. The measures, introduced on 1 July, ban all cars from the famous market street between 10am and 4pm, enforced by large concrete slabs and red barriers. The restrictions were implemented on the advice of counter-terror police over concerns about vehicle attacks.
Tourists visiting the blue door made famous by the 1999 film Notting Hill said the barriers detracted from the area's charm. Katie Alasky, a lawyer from New Orleans, said: "We love it here, it's a great atmosphere with all of the stands and the unique things, minus the barriers. It's so unfortunate – seeing them is a sign of how we live now." Her daughter Ella, 14, said the restrictions would "take away" from the movie if it were filmed today. James Darcy, visiting from Melbourne, said the barriers "detracted from the historic and vintage vibe".
Market traders have reported significant financial losses. Charlotte Preval-Reed, who sells prints, said footfall had plummeted and trading had been "100% the worst" since Covid. She warned: "If it carries on, I could potentially not be able to run my business at all because it just wouldn't be worth it in terms of how much of an income loss I've suffered."
Local resident Patrick Somers, a former lawyer, is leading a legal challenge against Kensington and Chelsea Council with the help of law firm Broadfield. He said residents were only given a few days' notice and that the restrictions could endanger lives. He cited an incident where an ambulance could not pass the barriers to attend to a child with respiratory problems, forcing medics to carry equipment on foot. "The ambulance arrived but couldn't get in," he said. "We can't be having a situation where there's not easy access for an emergency vehicle."
The council said emergency services had been consulted and were able to access the road. Somers conceded the area needed anti-terror measures but argued the implementation had not been thought through. "They have not thought this through. We've got all sorts of unintended consequences here," he said.
