Two-thirds of pavements in London are not wide enough for people to follow social distancing guidelines, new research has found.

Researchers at UCL found only 36% of pavements were at least three metres wide, the minimum required for people to pass each other safely.

Dr Ashley Dhanani from the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, said: ‘Most streets in London have pavements which are just over two metres wide – this is not enough room for people to pass each other and leave two metres’ distance between them, especially with obstacles such as bins, trees and lampposts.

’While some may opt to walk in the road, this is not possible for people with pushchairs or with mobility impairments.

’This research shows there is an urgent need to reallocate street space in London so everyone can use streets safely.’

The research shows that the City of London has the highest percentage (51%) of streets with non-road spaces that totalled six metres wide.