Regent Street is going to be pedestrianised for the next three Saturdays.
Forget dashing through the snow, dashing through Oxford Street on a Saturday is the real pièce de rèsistance. We’ve all been there, innocently trying to go from shop to shop, avoiding the thousands of shoppers like the plague (or Covid-19, more accurately) and attempting to steer clear of incoming traffic. It can really suck the fun out of any shopping trip. The good news is that from 10am to 9pm on December 5, 12 and 19, Regent Street will be closed off to all cars, taxis and buses! [Featured image: Jeff Moore]
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The West End has been largely neglected over the last few weeks, and these traffic-free Saturdays are an attempt to lure shoppers back to Central London post-lockdown. All vehicles between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus will also be banned on these dates. This will allow visitors to shop comfortably, view the West End’s breathtaking Christmas lights and admire the festive shopfronts without interruptions.
You’ll soon be able to shop for Christmas presents, go for a bite to eat in town, or head to one of the West End shows opening soon without interference of vehicles. Another bonus is that the traffic ban will create far more space for pedestrians to work their way through the shopping district. Therefore, social distancing will be all the more likely.
The chief executive at New West End Company, Jace Tyrell, said “The West End will be open to all shoppers who want to enjoy a festive experience like no other while shopping for their last few Christmas gifts. We have 50% fewer people than last year who can get to the West End as tourists are not visiting this season, and we hope that Londoners will take advantage of the spacious and secure environment to enjoy the unique offerings of the West End.” I know I will.