Oxford Street will be pedestrianised as soon as possible, says London mayor

The Guardian

8 hours ago

Sadiq Khan has said he will pedestrianise Oxford Street 'as quickly as possible', after two in three respondents to a public consultation backed plans to ban traffic from London's central shopping area.
The mayor's office said there was 'overwhelming public and business support' for the proposals to regenerate the street, whose lustre is slowly returning as department stores muscle back among the sweet and souvenir shops of dubious repute.
More than 6,600 businesses, individuals and groups responded to the formal consultation on plans announced last year that included full pedestrianisation of a 0.7-mile strip west from Great Portland Street; improving the area; and allowing street cafes and outdoor events.
Khan said: 'Oxford Street has suffered over many years, so urgent action is needed to give our nation's high street a new lease of life.
'It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.'
The Labour government has said it will approve a mayoral development corporation (MDC) to push through plans, after previous attempts to pedestrianise the street were knocked back by Westminster city council. An MDC could now be established in early 2026, including representation from the council, which even now under Labour control has opposed the scheme.
Cllr Adam Hug, the leader of the council, said: 'While the mayor's formal decision today was not the council's preferred outcome, it is far from unexpected, and it is now important for Oxford Street's future to move forward together.'
He added that since 2022 the street had 'roared back to life after the pandemic' and said the council would work with Khan to see it 'reimagined' in a way that worked for visitors, shoppers and residents.
Oxford Street is already largely restricted to general traffic but is a key route for London buses and taxis. Steve McNamara, the general secretary of the LTDA, which represents black-cab drivers, thought the plans would worsen congestion in the capital. 'Putting this traffic down surrounding streets will cause chaos – we're already Europe's most congested city, maybe we'll now get the world title,' he said.
Detailed traffic proposals to reroute buses and ban all traffic will be released and consulted on later this year.
Khan added: 'We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.'
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Angela Rayner, he deputy prime minister, said: 'We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that's why we welcome the mayor of London's bold proposals to achieve that.'
The big retailers on the street, including Ikea, which recently opened its a store there, also backed the mayor. The chief executive of Ikea Uk and Ireland, Peter Jelkeby, said the pedestrianisation plan was a positive step that would 'create a more welcoming and accessible space – bringing wide-ranging benefits to visitors, shoppers, businesses and the wider community'.
The executive director of Selfridges, Meave Wall, said the department store was 'hugely energised by the renewed commitment to make this area more enticing and attractive for locals and visitors from around the world'.
The New West End Company, which represents 600 businesses around the area, said the consultation results were an important step forward.