Plans to make sections of Oxford Street car-free will proceed “as swiftly as possible,” according to London’s mayor.
According to City Hall, around two-thirds of the public backs the idea of restricting vehicular traffic on one of the busiest shopping streets globally. Sir Sadiq Khan emphasized that “immediate action is needed to revitalize our nation’s high street.”
A vehicle ban is proposed for a 0.7-mile (1.1km) segment between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with potential adjustments extending towards Tottenham Court Road.
Adam Hug, the Labour leader of Westminster City Council, acknowledged that while this wasn’t the ideal outcome for the council, “it’s now crucial for the future of Oxford Street to collaborate effectively.”
Plans detailing traffic regulations on Oxford Street, which attracts approximately half a million visitors daily, will be shared for public consultation later this year.
Tim Lord, chair of the Soho Society, pointed out that several critical questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding “traffic rerouting and the consequences of relocating 16 bus routes into the cramped, congested one-way streets of Marylebone and Fitzrovia.”
He remarked, “No convincing strategy has been proposed; London is already a sluggish city, and this may exacerbate the situation.”
Lord highlighted that the primary issue facing Oxford Street lies in the quality and appeal of its retail options, which are compromised by excessive rents that consistently rise.
Concerns were also raised regarding bicycles and providing “equal access for bus and taxi users,” along with considerations for families carrying shopping or individuals with mobility challenges.
A prior consultation revealed that support for the initiative from local business owners (19%) and residents (34%) was considerably lower than that from visitors (62%).
In 2018, Westminster City Council, then under Conservative leadership, rejected the mayor’s initiatives to pedestrianize Oxford Street, citing insufficient support from locals.
In 2022, the same council faced criticism for its unsuccessful Marble Arch Mound project, which opened incomplete and over budget, resulting in resignations.
The mayor’s current proposals hinge on securing permission from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who serves as the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, to form a new mayoral development corporation that would grant planning authority.
Sir Sadiq stated: “Our goal is to revitalize Oxford Street, positioning it as a premier destination for shopping, leisure, and outdoor activities, featuring a world-class, accessible pedestrian thoroughfare.”
“This initiative aims to attract more international visitors and serve as a catalyst for new investments and job creation, fostering economic growth and prosperity for future generations.”
Mr. Hug commented: “Since the mayor introduced his new strategy last autumn, Westminster has worked cooperatively and effectively with the Greater London Authority to ensure that the redesign of Oxford Street better serves the needs of businesses, visitors, and residents.”
“Since 2022, Oxford Street has seen a remarkable recovery post-pandemic, with impressive retail confidence leading existing brands to invest £118 million in refurbishing their stores within the last year, according to Savills.”
City Hall Conservative Alessandro Georgiou AM expressed concerns that the mayor is undermining a plan established by Westminster Conservatives, which enjoyed support from residents and businesses, to create a favorable legacy following last week’s disappointing Spending Review.
“The mayor’s polling indicates Londoners’ strong feelings on this matter, yet he has yet to present a coherent argument for why he needs to seize control from local councils rather than collaborating with them.”
“We will continue to hold the mayor accountable for his vague proposals and urge him to be transparent with the public regarding the implications for congestion, public safety, and access for disabled individuals, as well as the financial costs of his plans.”
