Now you see them, now you don’t. Disappearing railings in High Holborn.

If you were wondering what happened to the railings around the junction at High Holborn and Kingsway, we have the answer.

According to Camden Highway Engineering, the decision to remove followed an independent pedestrian and road safety study and a further safety assessment last year. These concluded that, rather than making the junction safer, much of the guardrail was a hindrance to pedestrian movement, especially those sections adjacent to the heavily congested crossings.

The railings were therefore removed, leaving only those felt to have some safety purpose, e.g. on Kingsway opposite Holborn Tube Station. The junction is now being carefully monitored to assess the impact on pedestrian behaviour.

The removal is part of Camden’s policy to dispense with any unnecessary street furniture. The benefits are improved circulation for pedestrians and better visibility all round. Last but not least, it also saves on maintenance and replacement costs.