Plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, one of London’s busiest and most iconic shopping destinations, are set to move forward rapidly under the direction of Mayor Sadiq Khan. The proposal aims to ban traffic from a stretch approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 km) between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with aspirations to extend the pedestrianised area further towards Tottenham Court Road. This move seeks to revitalise the high street, attract increased tourism, create jobs, and secure long-term economic prosperity for the area.

Mayor Khan has emphasised widespread public support for the plan, citing a recent consultation in which around two thirds of participants endorsed the traffic ban. The vision draws inspiration from successful urban transformations like New York’s Times Square and Barcelona’s La Rambla, aiming to establish Oxford Street as a "world-class, accessible pedestrianised avenue" that blends shopping, leisure, and outdoor events. The street currently draws nearly half a million visitors daily but has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the closure of major retail outlets and competition from online shopping.

The proposals hinge on Khan obtaining formal approval from Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner, who has publicly expressed her support for the initiative. This approval would enable the creation of a new mayoral development corporation, granting Khan greater planning powers to bypass previous obstacles, particularly those posed by Westminster City Council. The council has voiced concern over the plans, particularly regarding potential traffic rerouting, bus diversions, and the impact on local streets in neighbouring areas such as Marylebone and Fitzrovia.

Local opposition mainly revolves around uncertainties linked to traffic management and accessibility issues. Critics question how 16 bus routes currently running through Oxford Street would be accommodated without causing congestion on narrower surrounding streets. There are also considerations about how the changes will affect cyclists, taxi users, families with children, and those with mobility restrictions. Additionally, some stakeholders highlight that Oxford Street’s deeper challenges lie in retail rental costs and the quality of the shopping experience, arguing these issues must be addressed alongside any pedestrianisation efforts.

Despite these concerns, the Mayor remains determined to push forward, underscoring the urgency to halt what he describes as a "managed decline" of the high street. He envisions a regenerated Oxford Street that will attract international visitors and act as a catalyst for new investment and job creation. The initiative also seeks to stimulate London's night-time economy and bolster the city's status as a leading global retail destination amid changing consumer behaviours and economic pressures.

Westminster City Council, which previously opposed pedestrianisation plans in 2018, has expressed that this is not its preferred outcome but acknowledges the importance of collaborative progress. The council's willingness to engage marks a shift from earlier resistance, likely influenced by government backing and the establishment of enhanced mayoral planning powers. The Mayor has also criticised the disproportionate influence of small local groups in blocking developments of national significance and is pushing for more decisions to be made by professional planning officers rather than local committees, aligning with broader government reforms.

Detailed proposals and consultations are expected later this year to map out the new traffic arrangements and the design of the pedestrianised areas. The project’s success will depend on balancing revitalisation goals with careful management of transport logistics and community needs. Ultimately, this ambitious plan seeks to secure a sustainable future for Oxford Street as a vibrant and accessible centre of commerce and culture.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services