Final approval has given for the permanent pedestrianisation of Oxford Street between IKEA and Selfridges — to be implemented from this September.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, reports City AM, has given the thumbs-up on proposals to close off the section of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street to private motorised vehicles, buses, taxis and private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs.
The announcement follows a second public consultation, in which 2,716 responded, providing 'general support' for the scheme.
Next steps will involve halting traffic from this September, then carrying out further works to make the street more pedestrian friendly — including wider pedestrian crossings.
Traffic will still run across Oxford Street at five points, namely Duke Street, Davies Street/Stratford Place, Vere Street/New Bond Street, Holles Street/Harewood Place, and Regent Street. Emergency services would have access to Oxford Street street at all times.
Buses that currently ply Oxford Street would be rerouted along Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place, and bus stops, taxi ranks and drop-off locations would be placed as close to the pedestrianised area as possible, without being on Oxford Street itself.
End of the Christmas lights by bus?
In Londonist Towers, the thought previously occurred to us that the banning of buses from this section of Oxford Street will spell the end of enjoying the Christmas lights by double-decker. We can't imagine exceptions would be made for traffic during the festive season, especially given this is the peak shopping period. A shame if true, but a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.
Says the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan — who recently oversaw new legislation for pedicabs operating in central London — "I am delighted to be moving forward with my bold vision to transform Oxford Street into a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure and outdoor events.
"Following TfL's detailed consultation, I've today made the decision to move ahead with these exciting changes to the nation's high street. We will outline more details in the coming days, as we continue building a better more prosperous London for everyone."
The first Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, promised to pedestrianise Oxford Street over 20 years ago, but finally it seems that Khan is untangling that Gordian Knot, to realise an Oxford Street that is safer, greener and generally more pleasant. More phases could following, perhaps leading to the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street in its entirety. If so, this will become a landmark legacy of Khan's lengthy mayoralty.
Oxford Street is already off limits to general traffic between 7am-7pm, Monday to Saturday.
