Cars to be banned from Oxford Street ‘as quickly as possible’ | EUROtoday

Sir Sadiq Khan has introduced plans to ban site visitors from a part of Oxford Street shall be applied “as quickly as possible” resulting from assist from “the vast majority of Londoners”.

According to Khan’s workplace, 66 per cent of respondents to a session supported the pedestrianisation plan. A separate YouGov survey carried out in September 2024 indicated that 63% of Londoners are in favour of the challenge.

Oxford Street is without doubt one of the world’s busiest purchasing areas, with round half one million guests every day.

Khan desires to ban autos from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with the potential for additional adjustments in the direction of Tottenham Court Road.

Detailed proposals for site visitors shall be consulted on later this yr.

A earlier try by Sir Sadiq to pedestrianise that a part of Oxford Street was blocked by then-Conservative run Westminster City Council in 2018.

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His newest proposals rely on him acquiring permission from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in her position as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to determine a brand new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would supply planning powers.

The intention is for this to be created by the beginning of subsequent yr.

Sir Sadiq stated: “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.

“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.”

Ms Rayner stated: “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.

“We will support the mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital.”

Adam Hug, chief of Labour-controlled Westminster City Council, stated: “While the mayor’s formal decision today was not the City Council’s preferred outcome, it is far from unexpected, and it is now important for Oxford Street’s future to move forward together.

“Since the mayor’s new approach was made public last autumn, Westminster has worked pragmatically and productively with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to ensure that the plan for Oxford Street more closely meets the needs of businesses, visitors, and residents.

“Since 2022, Oxford Street has roared back to life after the pandemic. Such is the level of retail confidence that existing brands have spent £118 million refitting their stores in the last 12 months alone, according to Savills.

“Westminster City Council will work constructively with the mayor’s team to ensure the nation’s high street is re-imagined in a way that works for visitors, shoppers, and our residents.”