London’s most iconic street is officially set to receive the traffic-free treatment soon as the Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans have just been given the green light. The plans in question will see the 1.1km stretch of road that runs between Great Portland Street and Orchard Street become completely closed to vehicles in a bid to breathe a new lease of life into the central London shopping spot, and make the Oxford Street experience safer and more enjoyable for all involved.
Sadiq Khan has just signed a ‘mayoral direction’ following a second successful public consultation. Over 2700 people put their two cents in on the matter, the majority of whom were fully in favour of the car-free plans. Oxford Street retailers including the likes of IKEA and Selfridges were also on board with the idea.
The Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans
If all goes to plan, the section of Oxford Street that spans from the western end of Selfridges to just past IKEA will be completely closed to vehicles (including cars, buses, taxis, bikes, scooters, and pedicabs). Service and delivery vehicles will be the only exception – but they’ll only be able to access the area between 12am-7am. All other vehicles will be diverted to neighbouring streets, and the 15 bus routes that currently serve Oxford Street will be rerouted along Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place. New bus stops, taxi ranks, and drop-off locations could be created nearby, along with some new cycle routes.
A temporary public realm scheme is set to be put in place this summer and a permanent scheme will follow next year. But further details regarding specific dates and logistics will be announced in the coming days.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “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.”