Sir Sadiq Khan: Most Londoners support Oxford Street car ban
Sir Sadiq Khan has said most Londoners support his plan to ban traffic on part of Oxford Street.
London's Labour Mayor wants to ban vehicles from a stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with the potential for further changes towards Tottenham Court Road.
A previous attempt by Sir Sadiq to pedestrianise that part of Oxford Street was blocked by Westminster city council, which was then Conservative-run, in 2018.
His latest proposals depend on him obtaining permission from Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would provide planning powers.
The aim is for this to be created by the start of next year, with detailed proposals for traffic to be consulted on later this year. Oxford Street is one of the world's busiest shopping areas, with around half a million visitors each day.
Sir Sadiq's office said 66 per cent of respondents to a consultation supported the pedestrianisation plan. A separate YouGov survey, conducted in September last year, indicated that 63 per cent of Londoners were in favour of the project.
'Moving ahead as quickly as possible'
The Mayor said: '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 said: '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.'
'Oxford Street has roared back to life'
Adam Hug, the leader of Labour-controlled Westminster city council, said: '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 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.'
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