New plan to make London's Oxford Street pedestrian-only will give it 'the boost it needs'

About half a million people visit the popular street every day to shop, work and see the sights

Undated handout photo issued by the Mayor of London's office of an artist's impression of a pedestrianised Oxford Street in central London. Tuesday September 17, 2024. PA

London mayor Sadiq Khan has announced plans to ban traffic from the city's busy Oxford Street.

The UK government is supporting the proposal as part of a wider regeneration project in the area, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner claiming it will give the popular shopping district “the boost it needs”.

The project is designed to improve the experience of shoppers, residents, workers and tourists.

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Oxford Street is one of the world’s busiest shopping areas, with about half a million visitors each day.

A previous attempt by Mr Khan to ban traffic from the road was blocked by the Westminster City Council in 2018, which was run by the Conservative Party at the time.

“Oxford Street was once the jewel in the crown of Britain’s retail sector but there’s no doubt that it has suffered hugely over the last decade,” Mr Khan said. “Urgent action is needed to give the nation’s most famous high street a new lease of life.

“I am excited to be working with the new government, and local retailers and businesses, on these plans that will help to restore this famous part of the capital to its former glory, while creating new jobs and economic prosperity for the capital and the country.

“I want Oxford Street to once again become the leading retail destination in the world," the mayor added. "The transformation of Oxford Street will be a leading example of how working together – City Hall and the new government – we can build a better London for everyone.”

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Ms Rayner said: “Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination and we want it to stay that way. By working with the mayor and local leaders, we can ensure it gets the boost it needs.

“This plan to revitalise Oxford Street will drive growth by creating new jobs, generating economic activity and giving a much-needed boost to London’s night-time economy.”

Mr Khan’s latest proposal depends on him obtaining permission from Ms Rayner in her role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would provide planning powers. This request can be made only after a statutory period of consultation and consideration by the London Assembly.

Westminster City Council chief executive Stuart Love said over the past two years the authority has worked with businesses and residents groups to develop a “shovel-ready” plan to improve Oxford Street without pedestrianisation.

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“The latest pedestrianisation proposal from the mayor of London was only shared with us last Thursday,” he said. “It will be important to receive further details about what is planned, including how long it could take to be delivered and how the concerns of local residents and users of the street will be addressed.

“We will want to know how they will benefit from any proposals, particularly given the practical challenges pedestrianisation may have for the wider area. The council intends to work constructively with the mayor and the government to ensure the best outcomes for local communities, businesses and London."