A recent incident involving an ambulance at the newly pedestrianised section of Oxford Street has sparked debate and raised concerns about potential delays for emergency services. Footage shared on social media appeared to show an ambulance with flashing blue lights stopped at the entrance to the zone, with wardens approaching the vehicle. The Conservative-run Westminster council's deputy leader, Timothy Barnes, suggested that the barriers, which require manual operation for emergency vehicles, could impede response times. "One minute on the way to treating someone could have been wasted," Barnes stated, adding, "Let's hope it was not life-critical."
However, Transport for London (TfL) has offered a different account of the incident. A TfL spokesman stated that the ambulance crew were merely seeking directions to Old Cavendish Street. According to TfL, staff facilitated the ambulance's passage by lowering the barriers ahead of its arrival, asserting that there was "no hold-up to the ambulance" and that the barrier operation was conducted as agreed with emergency services.
The London Ambulance Service has also denied experiencing any delays since the pedestrianisation scheme, which officially came into effect on October 26, came into force. A spokesperson for the service emphasized the critical nature of reaching patients quickly and confirmed that arrangements are in place with the Mayor's Office and TfL to ensure timely access.
Oxford Street, one of London's busiest shopping thoroughfares, underwent a significant transformation with the removal of bicycles, cars, buses, and taxis from a half-mile stretch. The £150 million revitalization project aims to create a more pleasant environment with new public spaces.
Despite assurances from TfL and the Ambulance Service, some critics remain concerned. The pedestrianisation, championed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan as a move to 'revitalise Oxford Street', has faced challenges, including reports of cyclists ignoring new rules and causing congestion on adjacent streets. A protest involving approximately 600 cyclists recently took place in the area.
