Oxford Street to Go Car-Free in October Amidst Unanswered Questions

London's Oxford Street is set to become a car-free zone starting October 26, a move announced by London Mayor Sadiq Khan. The pedestrianization will cover nearly a kilometer of the West End thoroughfare, coinciding with the busy Christmas shopping season. Khan expressed excitement, citing strong support from Londoners and businesses for his vision to revitalize the area and boost economic growth.

"Following strong support from Londoners and businesses, I'm excited to see my bold vision for Oxford Street really coming to life next month as we start going traffic–free, just in time for the busy Christmas shopping period," the mayor stated. He anticipates the traffic-free zone will become a vibrant destination for locals and visitors alike, contributing to regeneration, jobs, and economic growth.

However, the plan has drawn criticism from Westminster City Council, which has raised a "long list of unanswered questions" regarding its implementation. Councillor Tim Barnes, deputy leader and cabinet member for growth and planning, voiced concerns about access, air pollution, street cleaning, and public safety. He warned that the move could lead to traffic being diverted to smaller surrounding streets, causing economic and environmental harm. The council is reportedly communicating its serious concerns to the Oxford Street Development Corporation, suggesting that preparations are being rushed.

Oxford Street, one of the world's busiest shopping areas with approximately half a million visitors daily, will ban buses, taxis, and other vehicles from the section between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. The Marylebone Association, representing local residents and businesses, has previously voiced strong opposition, describing the plans as "dangerous, unworkable and catastrophic" and fearing it could become a "magnet" for criminals due to the removal of natural surveillance. They also noted an existing rise in shoplifting and anti-social behavior, suggesting that increased alcohol licenses could exacerbate these issues.

This initiative follows a previous attempt by Mayor Khan to pedestrianize part of Oxford Street, which was blocked by the then-Conservative-run Westminster City Council in 2018. For the current plan to proceed, Khan secured government permission to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, granting him planning powers, and Transport for London (TfL) took control of the road from the council.

TfL will collaborate with the Oxford Street Development Corporation on street improvements, including cleaning, decluttering, and installing new safety measures, with work commencing immediately. This initial pedestrianization is considered the first phase of changes. Temporary measures will be in place to gather data on usage, which will inform permanent improvements aimed at pedestrianizing the remainder of Oxford Street. Plans include the addition of two new public squares, over 100 new seats, dining tables, and more than 50 new trees by the end of spring next year.

Cllr Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, acknowledged the council's ongoing commitment to ensuring the transformation benefits local communities. He indicated that the council has secured key improvements to the original plans to make them more deliverable and better suited to the needs of residents and businesses, such as retaining bus access on Oxford Street East and retaining strategic development funding. The council plans to continue working pragmatically with the Mayor's team to ensure a positive future for the high street and local communities.