Notting Hill Residents Paint Homes Black To Deter Tourists

Residents of Lancaster Road and surrounding areas in Notting Hill, London, have started painting their famously colorful homes black to deter large crowds of tourists and influencers who gather for photoshoots, picnics on doorsteps, and peering through windows. Locals report feeling besieged by hundreds of visitors, especially on weekends, which has led to privacy concerns and a sense of living in a tourist attraction. In addition to the black paint, some residents have installed chains, ropes, and 'quiet zone' signs to discourage the influx. The area’s popularity among influencers and its proximity to Portobello Road Market contribute to the overtourism. Some residents say the measures are starting to reduce visitor numbers, but others are skeptical that they will solve the problem. Concerns persist about insufficient infrastructure to handle the crowds and the long-term impact on daily life.