London Mayor Gives Final Approval for Oxford Street Pedestrianisation
Sadiq Khan has officially signed off on proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street, directing Transport for London (TfL) to begin implementing plans that will remove traffic from the nation's most popular shopping area. The London Mayor announced his approval on Thursday, describing the initiative as a "bold" move that will transform the high street into a "world-leading" destination for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events.
Consultation Results and Business Support
The decision follows a formal consultation conducted by TfL between November and January, which indicated general support for the pedestrianisation plans. According to TfL, 35 percent of respondents expressed general support for the proposals, while 25 percent were opposed. The consultation involved 2,700 participants, though they were not directly asked to state whether they were for or against the plan.
Notably, the plans have garnered strong backing from the business community. More than 6,600 businesses supported the proposal, and a test-run in September demonstrated positive results, with at least two-thirds of stores reporting higher sales during the traffic-free period.
Pilot Success and Economic Impact
The September pilot saw a significant increase in footfall, with local tube stations—Marble Arch, Bond Street, and Oxford Circus—experiencing a 25 percent hike in passenger use. Business leaders have endorsed the plans, with John Dickie, head of BusinessLDN, stating that the traffic-free day revealed "huge potential" to boost retail and hospitality firms in the area.
Alex Williams, chief customer and strategy officer at TfL, welcomed the Mayor's approval, noting that TfL will collaborate closely with Westminster Council in the coming months to implement changes to the roads surrounding Oxford Street. More details on the next steps are expected to be announced by the Mayor next week.
Concerns and Implementation Timeline
Despite the support, some concerns were raised during the consultation, particularly regarding access for older and disabled individuals, as well as fears that pedestrianisation could increase traffic in the surrounding areas. These objections highlight the need for careful planning to address accessibility and traffic management issues.
The pedestrianisation will involve banning vehicles from a 0.7-mile stretch of Oxford Street between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch. TfL's current timeline aims to remove traffic from Oxford Street West as early as this summer, with the permanent design for the pedestrianised area to be finalized by November next year.
Future Vision and Development
Scott Parsons, chair of the newly established Oxford Street Development Corporation, expressed excitement about the project, calling it a step toward creating a "vibrant, new Oxford Street for Londoners, visitors, and businesses alike." He acknowledged the contributions from consultation participants, which will help shape the future of this iconic high street.
Mayor Sadiq Khan emphasized his commitment to building a better and more prosperous London, with further details on the pedestrianisation plan set to be unveiled on Wednesday next week. This initiative marks a significant shift in urban planning for one of the world's most famous shopping destinations, aiming to enhance its appeal and economic vitality.
