About 200 pedestrians and cyclists brought one of London’s busiest gyratories to a standstill as part of a environmental protest.

At the demonstration in Archway town centre last Thursday, activists from the Better Archway Forum, Islington Cycle Action Group (ICAG) and Islington Living Streets meandered slowly along the eight-lane highway, blocking rush-hour traffic.

Politicians from the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties also joined in.

The campaigners want the gyratory turned into a two-way system and argue that the proliferation of cars has been harmful to Archway.

They say motor vehicles have been allowed to dominate town centres, damaging the quality of life and health.

Caroline Russell, chairman of Islington Living Streets, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who came along to show their support for city streets designed for people not just for cars.

“With local residents, families and commuters, both pedestrians and cyclists, joining forces so effectively, we hope our politicians will listen to our voices and support our call to ditch the Archway roundabout now.”

John Ackers, from ICAG, said: “Cycling is booming in Islington. But the Archway roundabout and Islington’s other major road junctions need to be re-engineered to Dutch standards to reduce accidents and remove one of the main barriers for would-be cyclists.”

Kate Calvert, chairman of the Better Archway Forum, said: “The work can be carried out on the existing road surface and using existing funding for repairs and renovation. We call on the mayoral candidates to set the ball rolling now.”