In the general election of 2024, the new Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer gave London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan the power to take control of Oxford Street, a responsibility that previously lay with Westminster City Council.
Mr Khan has laid out plans to turn Oxford Street into a pedestrianised zone, with the goal of making it less busy and more appealing to both locals and tourists, and is asking the public for their opinions.
“Oxford Street has been known as the nation’s high street but the area has suffered in recent years,” said Mr Khan. “My proposals are designed to unlock the true potential of Oxford Street and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean avenue.
“These proposals would help to restore this famous part of the capital and support good businesses, while creating new jobs and boosting growth.”
It wouldn’t be the first time that Oxford Street has been pedestrianised, although it would be the first permanent change.
Traffic-free days, styled as ‘Very Important Pedestrian’ (VIP) days, were first introduced to the bustling retail road in 2005, and held annually until 2012.
Read on for an in-depth look at what this could mean for Oxford Street and what people think so far.
What would the potential pedestrianisation of Oxford Street involve?
Mr Khan has not made detailed plans about the possible pedestrianisation available to the public yet, with his office saying only: “The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has set out bold proposals to transform Oxford Street, including turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space.
“The plans backed by the new government would ensure Oxford Street becomes a driver of London’s economic prosperity for decades to come.”
London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan
PA
The mayoral office also noted that Mr Khan has previously tried to make changes to Oxford Street and the current plans are only possible as “the new Government [takes] a
partnership approach to working with cities and mayors”.
There’s no indication of when specific plans will be shared or when any potential work would start, if they went ahead.
The lack of clear details has led to some criticism from Westminster City Council, with concerns raised about the lack of notice of the announcement and the disruption to existing plans.
“Westminster City Council has spent the last two years working closely with businesses and resident groups to develop detailed proposals to redesign and improve Oxford Street,” said the council’s chief executive, Stuart Love. “These plans are shovel-ready, have had the support of retailers and the local community, and were intended to deliver significant economic growth whilst also securing a successful future for our thriving neighbourhoods in the West End.
“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.”
Such concerns have been echoed by London cab drivers, with one cabbie telling BBC London that pedestrianisation would be a “nightmare for drivers”.
“Being a cab driver for 26 years this year, Khan is just shutting down London,” she said. “He’s not thinking about disabled people or anybody that just wants to get in a cab to get home.
“From a cab driver’s point of view, it’s very negative. From a pedestrian’s point of view, it’s a win, because it’s safe.”
That’s not to say that all the feedback has been negative, however. Dee Corsi, chief executive at New West End Company, a partnership of businesses and property owners across the West End, praised the plans, saying: “We have long championed the regeneration of Oxford Street, recognising its vital importance to London and the UK economy.
“The launch of the public consultation marks a significant milestone in the journey of the nation’s high street.”
The public consultation is open now for people to have their say in the plans, running until May 2, 2025.
You can complete the survey at this link or send your thoughts directly via email to [email protected] , by phone on 020 3054 6037 (making sure to leave your name, contact number, and quoting ‘Oxford Street’ for a call back) or writing to FREEPOST TFL HAVE YOUR SAY (Oxford Street), with no postage stamp required.