Transformative! Oxford Street pedestrianisation start date revealed

26 October: that’s the date London’s Oxford Street will become free from cars. The Mayor of London, Lord Sadiq Khan, said Britain’s most famous shopping street will be mostly pedestrianised from that date.

Buses, taxis and bikes will be banned from the almost a kilometre stretch from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, reported The London Evening Standard.

“I’m delighted … the transformation of the nation’s high street into a pedestrian plaza will begin in earnest – a world-class space where flagship retail will sit alongside next-generation workplaces, designed to host exciting retail and leisure experiences from sport to fashion and cultural events in the future,” Lord Khan said.

He added: “Following strong support from Londoners and businesses, I’m excited to see my bold vision for Oxford Street really coming to life next month as we start going traffic-free, just in time for the busy Christmas shopping period.

“I encourage everyone to explore and enjoy our newly traffic-free Oxford Street, as we work to create a vibrant destination that welcomes Londoners and visitors alike.”

However,  the area’s local authority, Westminster Council, has raised concerns about traffic being pushed into smaller surrounding roads by the scheme and said there was still a “long list of unanswered questions about how it will work.”

But Dee Corsi, chief executive of New West End Company, called the move “transformative”.

The head of the region’s body, which represents over 100 streets and 800 businesses centred around the capital’s key retail areas, including Oxford Street, said: “Creating a pedestrian-friendly Oxford Street has the potential to transform the experience for millions of visitors and strengthen its position as the nation’s high street.

“Today’s announcement is an important milestone for the future of the West End, and marks a key moment in the continued evolution of the world famous high street.

She added: “The focus now must be on getting the delivery right, from maintaining access for businesses and visitors to ensuring the street is safe, clean, accessible and welcoming. This will be particularly important during the crucial Christmas trading period, when Oxford Street and the wider West End welcome millions of visitors and businesses rely on a successful festive season.

“This is about more than removing traffic, it is about creating a world-class destination that protects and enhances the unique mix of retail, hospitality, offices, culture and leisure that makes the West End so distinctive.”