Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has officially approved a landmark plan to pedestrianise a significant portion of Oxford Street, one of the world's most frequented shopping destinations. This decision will see traffic banned from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, marking a bold step in reimagining the iconic high street.
A Vision for a World-Leading Urban Space
Sir Sadiq expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I am delighted to be moving forward with my bold vision to transform Oxford Street into a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure and outdoor events." He emphasized that following Transport for London's (TfL) detailed consultation, the decision was made to proceed with these transformative changes. The Mayor's office plans to release more specifics in the coming days as part of ongoing efforts to build a better and more prosperous London for all residents and visitors.
Implementation Timeline and Key Details
Construction work to pedestrianise the road is scheduled to commence in the summer, with the first traffic-free section expected to be operational by the end of the year. Oxford Street currently attracts approximately half a million visitors daily, and this initiative aims to enhance footfall and spending in the area by creating a safer, more enjoyable environment.
Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at TfL, highlighted the collaborative approach, noting, "We will work closely with Westminster Council in the coming months to implement changes to the roads around Oxford Street." The Mayor is set to provide further information on the next steps for this transformational scheme next week, ensuring transparency and ongoing engagement.
Support from the Business Community
The Mayor's office reported that the plans received extensive support from the business community during TfL's consultation process. Scott Parsons, Chair of the newly established Oxford Street Development Corporation, commented, "This is an exciting step towards creating a vibrant, new Oxford Street for Londoners, visitors and businesses alike." He expressed gratitude to all participants in the consultation, whose input will help shape the future of this globally recognized high street.
Addressing Traffic Challenges
Steve Gooding, Director of the motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, pointed out potential challenges, stating, "In densely developed and historic cities like London there will always be keen competition for the limited road space available, resulting in contentious political decisions as to who gets priority." He identified the rerouting of numerous affected bus services and managing junctions where road traffic currently crosses Oxford Street as significant hurdles to address.
Overcoming Past Obstacles
This approval follows a previous attempt by Sir Sadiq to pedestrianise part of Oxford Street in 2018, which was blocked by the then-Conservative-run Westminster City Council. To ensure the success of this latest initiative, the Mayor obtained permission from the Government to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, granting planning powers, while TfL assumed control of the road from the council. This strategic move underscores the commitment to advancing urban renewal and sustainable transport solutions in the heart of London.
