Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Fire Brigade
Traffic congestion, Covent Garden, London WC2
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Traffic congestion, Covent Garden, London WC2
Traffic congestion in the Covent Garden area, London WC2, 26 March 1959, looking down towards The Strand, with the corner of Maiden Lane, and the offices of The Lady magazine on the left. Congestion like this made it difficult for fire services to get through in an emergency. Date: 1959
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14158712
© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library
1959 Area Blocking Brothers Business Congestion Corner Covent Difficult Emergency Goods Hudson Hunter Lane Lorry Maiden Narrow Offices Parked Parking Premises Produce Sands Services Sides Strand Traffic Vehicles Delivery Firefighter Firefighters Firefighting Fireman Firemen
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Literature
> Magazines
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Fire Brigade
> Popular Themes
> Firefighters
> Services
> Emergency Services
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the chaos and congestion that once ruled the streets of Covent Garden, London WC2, during the 1950s. The scene, taken on 26 March 1959, looks down towards The Strand from the corner of Maiden Lane, with the offices of The Lady magazine visible on the left. The narrow streets are a maze of parked cars, vans, and lorries, making it difficult for emergency services, such as the London Fire Brigade, to navigate through in times of crisis. The congestion was a common occurrence in the area, which was known for its bustling market and numerous shops and businesses. The Hudson Brothers' produce market and Hunters & Sons, a well-known fishmonger, were among the many establishments that lined the streets, contributing to the heavy traffic. Delivery vehicles, laden with goods, were a constant presence, adding to the already challenging road conditions. The photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing a stark contrast to the modern-day traffic management systems and emergency response services we have come to expect. The narrow streets, once a source of frustration for those trying to navigate through the area, now serve as a reminder of the history and character that defines Covent Garden. Despite the challenges posed by the congestion, life went on, and businesses continued to thrive. The buildings, a mix of old and new, stand proudly in the photograph, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the community. The photograph also serves as a reminder of the importance of effective traffic management and emergency response systems, which have since been put in place to ensure the safety and smooth running of our cities.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
