Sadiq Khan says he will revive plans to pedestrianise Parliament Square if he is elected London Mayor next year.

The Labour candidate said the plans to make the square traffic-free and tourist-friendly were first drawn up by former mayor Ken Livingstone, but dumped by current incumbent Boris Johnson in 2008.

Now, the Tooting MP has confirmed that, should he make it City Hall next May, he will take inspiration from the part-pedestrianisation of Trafalgar Square to drive forward a similar plan on the famous square besides Parliament.

He said he would set up a high-level Committee on the Public Realm which would be charged with coming forward with proposals on improvements to major London squares and public spaces, and how new areas can be made.

Mr Khan said: “It’s a national disgrace that one of our most iconic squares is choked with traffic, with pavements so packed that at the busiest times people are forced to walk in the road. We could have had a square to be proud of by now if the Tories hadn’t been so short-sighted and cancelled a redevelopment scheme.

“Closing the north side of Trafalgar Square to traffic has turned it into a world-class public space, and it’s high time we did something similar for Parliament Square. With Parliament itself due to be rebuilt over coming years, this is the perfect opportunity to rid part of the square of traffic and create a public space worthy of a UNESCO Heritage Site.

“Our public spaces have been neglected for too long.”

And speaking about the new proposed committee, he added: “I want them to come forward with proposals on how we can make London cleaner, greener and a more pleasant environment, getting the balance right between people and cars.”