Do all roads lead to Rome?

Well, around London, it certainly felt like most of them, and the resulting traffic, used to lead to Trafalgar Square.

It sadly left our dear old square, poor Lord Nelson, the National Gallery, those well-endowed horses, a few friendly-looking lions, and the coachloads and coachloads (and yet more coachloads) of tourists, all choked up and cheesed-off with the thick, black, nasty fumes that come with it.

Until, that is, Ken decided enough was enough, and plans were made to give our square a what-not-to-wear style revamp.

The Greater London Authority has responsibility for Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square, now part of the World Squares project.

This aims to provide a fairer balance between pedestrians and vehicles, making the area more accessible and enjoyable for Londoners and visitors to the city.

So, out with the dated traffic, out with those drab-old fumes, out with those passé pigeons (please, dear God, out with the pigeons), out with the extra bulging inches of Pall Mall, and in with the perky new paving for pedestrians, swanky street cafés, long lingering lattés, and in with those sleek and svelte new steps leading up to the National Gallery.

Ken reckons the revamp will rival the grand piazzas of Rome and Venice.

We may not quite have the panache of those fine piazzas (just yet!), but for anyone who's had a taste of the laid-back European loafing alla Roma, Paris or Spain, they'll be reaching for the Ray Bans, a copy of their favourite read and heading to the new-look Trafalgar Square with professional lounging in mind.

Ok, I confess, this is all fine and dandy in these sultry summer days, but think of the gorgeous crisp days of winter to come (you never know, they might even stick in a few of those outdoor heaters!) - what could be better than sipping a smoothie or mulling over a mocha with friends?

Whether it's the Piazza Navona in Rome, La Place des Vosges in Paris, or the Plaza Mayor of Madrid - they've all got it - cafes, culture, concerts and street entertainment - and now, so do we - all in a contained place of beautiful buildings and pedestrianised spaces where you can look, linger and breathe.

* The World Squares for All master plan, prepared by a team of multi-disciplinary consultants led by Lord Norman Foster, involves several agencies, including the Government Office for London, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, English Heritage, Transport for London, the Royal Parks Agency, and Westminster City Council.

Take a Thames Tour of Rotherhithe including the home of London's whaling and timber trades

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