A proposal to make Oxford Street traffic-free has received overwhelming support from local retailers. The London shopping street will soon become a pedestrian zone, despite opposition.
Broad support for redevelopment
Plans to pedestrianise the 0.7-mile stretch west of Great Portland Street were first unveiled last year. Now, after a public consultation involving over 6,600 participants – including businesses, individuals, and groups – the initiative has gained momentum. Two-thirds of respondents explicitly backed the proposal.
Major retailers, including Ikea and Selfridges, have voiced strong support as well. The New West End Company, representing 600 businesses in the area, called the consultation results “an important step forward.”
“Oxford Street has suffered over many years, so urgent action is needed to give our nation’s high street a new lease of life,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said. “It’s clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I’m pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.”
Fears of traffic chaos
However, not everyone is equally enthusiastic. Taxi interest group LTDA warns of increased traffic pressure and even chaos elsewhere. Oxford Street is already largely closed to normal traffic, but it remains an important corridor for buses and London’s black cabs. The local Westminster City Council also remains sceptical and has blocked similar proposals in the past.
The British central government has nonetheless promised to implement the plans outside the council. “We want to make Oxford Street a vibrant place again for tourists and Londoners alike,” says deputy prime minister Angela Rayner.
