On Sunday, a significant step was taken towards transforming one of London's busiest shopping thoroughfares, Oxford Street, by conducting a one-day trial to ban traffic from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch. The event, named "This is Oxford Street," saw vehicles prohibited from accessing the half-mile segment from Oxford Circus to Orchard Street between noon and 8 pm, offering Londoners a glimpse of what a pedestrianised future could hold for the iconic street. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan described the day as "the day the fight back began to rescue this street," highlighting his ambition to create a world-class, accessible, and clean avenue designed for pedestrians, shoppers, and leisure activities.

The event was part of a broader plan announced by Sir Sadiq to fully pedestrianise Oxford Street by 2027, backed by earlier public consultations indicating strong support from Londoners and businesses. Inspired by transformations such as New York’s Times Square and Barcelona’s La Rambla, the plan aims to rejuvenate the area, increasing footfall and spend, and establishing a vibrant hub for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events. The trial included art installations, live performances, sports pitches, and a variety of food and drink options, providing an immersive experience of a car-free Oxford Street.

Despite widespread enthusiasm, concerns have been raised by some local stakeholders. Conservative Westminster councillor Tim Barnes expressed worries about increased congestion on smaller side streets, which are already narrow and ill-equipped to handle diverted bus, emergency, and delivery traffic. Accessibility was another concern voiced by groups such as the Soho Society, who highlighted challenges for people with mobility issues or those carrying heavy shopping. Sir Sadiq acknowledged these concerns, stating he "fully understands" the difficulties faced by a minority of residents and assured that comprehensive consultations with residents, retailers, landowners, and other stakeholders would continue to refine the plans.

Pedestrians enjoying the traffic-free street voiced strong support for the initiative. Grace and Tom Brown, among those interviewed, expressed a desire for the street to be permanently free of vehicles, suggesting it would encourage more shopping and socialising in a safer, more pleasant environment. Another passer-by, Kish Sha, praised the event for creating a lively and enjoyable space, confident that alternative routes could accommodate necessary bus services and emergency vehicles. The mayor remains committed to securing government approval for a Mayoral Development Corporation, expected to be established by early next year, which would grant the necessary planning powers to implement the full pedestrianisation scheme.

This trial follows extensive preparatory work and public engagement. The one-day event on 21 September was not only a demonstration of potential urban renewal but also a celebration featuring pop-ups from international brands, wellness villages, music, and heritage displays - all aimed at showcasing Oxford Street as a dynamic and inviting destination beyond the traditional retail experience. With around half a million visitors daily, Oxford Street’s transformation is seen as critical to maintaining its global status while addressing modern urban challenges like pollution, safety, and congestion.

As London looks ahead to creating more pedestrian-friendly spaces, this initiative fits within a wider effort by the mayor to enhance public realms, including recent pedestrianisation projects around Somerset House and expanded alfresco dining areas. The ambition extends to enabling business growth and hospitality alongside improved accessibility and environmental quality, reflecting a comprehensive urban strategy for a global capital. The trial marks a high-profile milestone in this journey, signalling a potential future where London's streets prioritise people over vehicles in the heart of the city.

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Source: Noah Wire Services