A set of concrete barriers that inspired legal action upon their installation at a well-known west London location will be temporarily taken down for the Notting Hill Carnival.
Portobello Road in Notting Hill, renowned for its outdoor antique markets, had 31 of these barriers, which the local council referred to as “hostile vehicle mitigation measures,” installed in July to prevent potential vehicle attacks in the area.
The Kensington and Chelsea Council announced that the barriers will be removed for two weeks starting Monday, although road closures will stay in effect on market days from 10:00 BST to 16:00, utilizing temporary barriers instead.
Residents and market vendors expressed that the concrete structures made them feel “trapped.”
The council stated that the concrete barriers would be taken out temporarily for the Notting Hill Carnival “to allow people to move freely and safely throughout the event.”
Taking place during the August Bank Holiday weekend, this festival is one of the largest outdoor celebrations globally, drawing an estimated two million attendees to the Notting Hill area.
A spokesperson for the council indicated that the barriers “will be dismantled between Monday, August 18, and Friday, August 22, based on recommendations from the Metropolitan Police and Carnival’s Safety Group to enhance crowd safety.”
While the barriers are removed, road closures will continue on market days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with temporary barriers in place.
The concrete blocks are set to be reinstated by Monday, September 1, along with repairs to the road surfaces as needed.
Kensington and Chelsea positioned the concrete blocks at each intersection from Golborne Road to Chepstow Villas.
In between these blocks, temporary barriers known as H-Stops are set up each morning, secured in position, and removed later in the day.
The council noted that this temporary order for the barriers was enacted following counter-terrorism advice from the Metropolitan Police aimed at safeguarding the public, and mentioned they would engage with residents regarding a long-term solution.
Attorneys representing a group of residents have sent a letter to the council, signaling their intention to contest the Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order.
In addition to the barriers, there are restrictions on vehicle access to the road between 10:00 and 16:00, either three or seven days a week, depending on the specific section.
Locals have reported that these measures, introduced out of concern for pedestrian safety, hinder emergency services, delivery vehicles, and cabs from reaching them.
The Carnival parade spans a three-mile (5 km) route through Notting Hill on the Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday, showcasing masquerade dancing, soca, calypso, steel bands, and sound systems, attracting massive crowds of spectators.
Roads near the parade route will be closed throughout the weekend due to the expected high volume of attendees.
