Calls to pedestrianise Marlow High Street have routinely gained and lost momentum over the years – but what would the reality look like?

A new artificial intelligence tool from the Netherlands has been developed to show what traffic-filled streets around the UK would look like if they catered solely to pedestrians and cyclists.

We used Dutch Cycling Lifestyle to scan Google street-view and generate images of a car-free central Marlow – although the rose-tinted, flower-packed results might not be the most realistic depiction of a demotorised high street.

While the town is frequently the subject of debate over what some view as persistent traffic and parking issues – with one frustrated local describing the high street as a “motorised jungle” earlier this year – the conversation around pedestrianisation last reared its head in 2021 after Buckinghamshire Council introduced a part-time car ban in High Wycombe for live music and stallholders.

However, Marlow Town Council told this newspaper that the two areas were “very different” and couldn’t be compared like for like – especially due to Marlow's “one main street” which would be “difficult to close” and could “negatively affect traffic flow”.

READ MORE: 10 Buckinghamshire towns and villages named ‘best places to live in England’

Perhaps anticipating a loss of tourist trade, the council also suggested that a pedestrianised high street would hurt rather than boost local retailers.

And, a few years on, Andrew Wood, co-chair of local amenity group The Marlow Society, is inclined to agree.

He said ridding the high street of all vehicles had been “visited as a possibility on a number of occasions over the years” but was now largely considered “impractical”.

Mark Skoyles, chair of the Marlow Living Streets Group also said he didn’t think a complete ban on vehicles on the stretch would be the best way forward.

“There are businesses, shops and some flats which only have vehicle access via the high street, so one-way traffic, a two-bike cycleway and delivery-only parking is probably the most practical option.

“It would also allow for wider pavements and seating space for pedestrians – which is especially needed at peak times.”

Unlikely prospect or not, there’s no denying the idyllic appeal of the AI renderings – with one showing the road replaced by wide planters packed with flowers in bloom and another lining a central walkway with colourful shop awnings and stalls.

Do you think pedestrianised high streets are a good idea? See what your local area would look like car-free by entering your address at  https://dutchcyclinglifestyle.com/.