Oxford Street to Go Car-Free Amidst Lingering Concerns

A significant stretch of London's Oxford Street will become traffic-free starting October 26, as announced by London Mayor Sadiq Khan. The decision comes despite a 'long list of unanswered questions' from Westminster City Council and concerns from residents and businesses.

The pedestrianisation will affect nearly one kilometer of the major West End thoroughfare, barring vehicles from the section between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. Khan stated that the move, timed to precede the busy Christmas shopping period, is supported by Londoners and businesses and is expected to boost regeneration, jobs, and economic growth.

However, Westminster City Council has raised objections, citing a lack of clarity on crucial operational aspects. Councillor Tim Barnes, deputy leader and cabinet member for growth and planning, expressed concerns about air pollution, street cleaning, public safety, and the potential for traffic displacement to smaller surrounding streets, which could cause economic and environmental harm. The council is reportedly communicating these serious concerns to the Oxford Street Development Corporation, suggesting that preparations are being rushed with little time remaining.

Previous attempts to pedestrianise parts of Oxford Street have faced political hurdles. A prior plan by Khan was blocked by the Conservative-led Westminster City Council in 2018. For the current initiative, Khan secured government permission to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, granting planning powers, and Transport for London (TfL) assumed control of the road from the council.

Concerns about increased crime have also been voiced by the Marylebone Association, which represents local residents and businesses. The association previously described the plans as 'dangerous, unworkable and catastrophic,' warning that removing traffic could reduce natural surveillance and make the street vulnerable to criminal activity, rough sleeping, and illegal trading. They also noted that businesses are already experiencing rising incidents of shoplifting and anti-social behavior, and suggested that the mayor's strategy, which includes expanding the late-night economy, could exacerbate these issues.

TfL will collaborate with the Oxford Street Development Corporation on street cleaning, decluttering, and implementing new safety measures. Works are scheduled to commence this week. This initial phase of pedestrianisation is intended to be temporary, allowing for the collection of real-time data on usage to inform permanent improvements. Future plans include the addition of two new public squares, over 100 new seats, dining areas, and more than 50 trees by the end of spring next year.

Westminster Council leader Cllr Adam Hug acknowledged the council's long-standing stance on pedestrianisation but stated their current role is to ensure the transformation benefits local communities and London as a whole. He noted that the council has secured improvements to the mayor's original plans to enhance deliverability and better meet the needs of residents and businesses, particularly retaining bus access for Oxford Street East and retaining strategic development funding. The council intends to continue working pragmatically with the mayor's team towards a positive future for Oxford Street.