Oxford Street pedestrianisation set to go ahead – with changes coming this summer

The plans to turn Oxford Street into a European-style promenade without traffic have been given the green light.

Londoners have been promised a transformation of the iconic shopping street for years as the road has struggled with changing times and the steady exodus of shops.

The latest proposal, unveiled in February last year, envisions Oxford Street without cars and buses along the 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch in a bid to restore it to its ‘former glory.’

Estimated to cost around £150 million, the revamp has now taken a major step forward after London mayor, Sadiq Khan, approved it following the latest consultation.

When will Oxford Street be closed to traffic?

While the plans have been in the making for a while, the changes won’t happen overnight, and further red tape still needs to be cleared.

Metro understands that shoppers will see some changes, such as to buses, this year when the works start.

From next year, the roads will changed completely, allowing people to walk freely around one of the city’s key shopping destinations

Next up, Transport for London (TfL), which controls the road in the area, is expected to take steps to enable traffic to be removed from Oxford Street between Great Portland Street and Orchard Street.

Eventually, buses, cars, taxis, mopeds and bicycles will be banned from the pedestrianised section.

Previous proposals have included new designated drop-off and pick up zones for taxis, while bikes need to be locked up on the parallel roads near the zone.

Khan said: ‘I am delighted to be moving forward with my bold vision to transform Oxford Street into a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure and outdoor events.

‘Following TfL’s detailed consultation, I’ve today made the decision to move ahead with these exciting changes to the nation’s high street.  We will outline more details in the coming days, as we continue building a better more prosperous London for everyone.’

TfL’s Alex Williams, the chief customer and strategy officer, said TfL will work ‘closely with Westminster Council in the coming months.’

While some people told Metro last year they had some doubts about the pedestrianisation, business leaders have thrown their weight behind it, including Selfridges’, Ikea and John Lewis bosses.

Dee Corsi, the CEO of the New West End Company, said: ‘A comprehensive and considered transformation of Oxford Street – delivered in partnership with local businesses and communities – will enhance the area, bringing significant economic benefits to Londoners and the wider UK economy.’

Metro readers are divided on the revamp, with some saying it will make traffic worse on nearby roads, while others welcome it as much-needed.

Clea Romeo said: ‘This is great news. Will be much more pleasant to visit.’

John Davenport reacted to the announcement today: ‘Fantastic news, long overdue.’

Steven Michael said: ‘Terrible news. Oxford Street will lose its charm and identity. It’ll become one big playground.’

James Lovett said: ‘So push the traffic to surrounding roads and make it harder for some people to get anywhere.’

The mayor is expected to reveal further details next week.

Taxi drivers oppose pedestrianisation

Taxi drivers and private hire drivers have consistently voiced their concern over the plan.

Steve McNamara, the general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, told Metro that he has ‘serious concern’ for traffic when it will be diverted around the closure.

‘We have serious concerns over accessibility and how we are going to pick up customers. We are the only London transport that 100% caters for disabled people.

‘And my biggest worry is that when these schemes are designed, they tend to show an idyllic oasis of people sitting on benches, but what it fails to show is the reality. All those vehicles, mainly buses, where are they going to go?’

He argued that many bus journey times will be hit, and that ‘it is already faster to walk on some routes.’

Today’s announcement comes after previous attempts to pedestrianise ran into trouble.

Khan’s attempt in 2018 was blocked by the then-Conservative-run Westminster Council, but this time, TfL has powers to decide how to use the road, Metro understands.

City Hall said an earlier survey between February and May of 6,642 people showed two-thirds of Londoners supported the idea.

A stretch of Oxford Street was closed to traffic as a taster for one day only last year, with stalls, music and food.

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