Traffic to be Banned from London's Oxford Street under Sadiq Khan's Plan
Mayor Sadiq Khan announces a plan to ban traffic from Oxford Street, aiming to restore its status as a world-leading retail destination. Using new Labour powers, Khan intends to reroute buses and cabs, focusing on pedestrian traffic to boost footfall and spending. Despite local opposition and historical challenges, the plan has garnered cautious support from retailers and stakeholders.
Traffic will be banned from London's Oxford Street under new plans announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan, utilizing new powers from Labour to advance the long-thwarted pedestrianisation of this iconic shopping area.
Khan emphasized the urgent need for this action to restore Oxford Street as a leading retail destination.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is set to approve a mayoral development area, boosting Khan's planning powers.
Westminster Council, who previously blocked similar plans due to concerns over rerouting buses and local impacts, expressed dismay over potential superseding of their £90m regeneration plans.
Despite historical attempts to modernize the area, such as a 1960s travelator and a 1970s air-cushion car track, consistent limitations have hindered progress.
The new plan aims to reroute double-decker buses and black cabs, focusing on pedestrian traffic to boost footfall and spending.
Oxford Street's status has been jeopardized in recent years, especially during the pandemic, leading to numerous vacancies and lessening appeal.
The mayor believes pedestrianising the western side first, home to Selfridges and John Lewis, will revitalise the street.
Several local stakeholders, although cautious, have expressed tentative support for the move.
Khan emphasized the urgent need for this action to restore Oxford Street as a leading retail destination.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is set to approve a mayoral development area, boosting Khan's planning powers.
Westminster Council, who previously blocked similar plans due to concerns over rerouting buses and local impacts, expressed dismay over potential superseding of their £90m regeneration plans.
Despite historical attempts to modernize the area, such as a 1960s travelator and a 1970s air-cushion car track, consistent limitations have hindered progress.
The new plan aims to reroute double-decker buses and black cabs, focusing on pedestrian traffic to boost footfall and spending.
Oxford Street's status has been jeopardized in recent years, especially during the pandemic, leading to numerous vacancies and lessening appeal.
The mayor believes pedestrianising the western side first, home to Selfridges and John Lewis, will revitalise the street.
Several local stakeholders, although cautious, have expressed tentative support for the move.
