Westminster urges Sadiq Khan to address Oxford Street pedestrianisation concerns
Westminster’s new Conservative leader has called on Sir Sadiq Khan to meet with him over Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans, saying concerns over access, safety, and practical delivery still need to be resolved. Paul Swaddle said he wants the mayor to “sit down” with Westminster City Council to agree what he described as a plan that works for one of central London’s busiest shopping streets.
The call follows approval earlier this year for plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. City Hall has said it hopes the first section could become traffic free by the end of this summer.
Oxford Street footfall and sales have added another layer to the debate over what changes are needed to support the area’s long-term recovery. The latest political challenge also comes after previous polling suggested strong public support for wider pedestrianisation proposals along Oxford Street.
Swaddle said Westminster’s concerns include accessibility, particularly because Oxford Circus Underground station is not step-free. He also raised concerns about safety late at night, arguing that current bus traffic helps maintain activity along the street.
The council has also questioned how pedestrianisation could affect crime, including pickpocketing and phone theft, as well as practical issues such as bin collections.
The plans moved forward after the creation of a mayoral development corporation, which transferred planning powers for the project from Westminster City Council to the mayor through new legislation.
A spokesperson for the mayor said the scheme would create a “beautiful pedestrian-friendly public space that restores the nation’s high street to its former glory,” adding that the mayor is moving ahead rapidly and hopes to see the first section completed by the end of summer.
Oxford Street is already largely closed to private cars, meaning the changes would mainly affect buses, taxis, cycles, scooters and pedicabs. Any legal challenge would likely involve judicial review, though Westminster would need to consider the cost to local taxpayers. The disagreement leaves the future shape of Oxford Street unresolved as City Hall pushes ahead with the scheme.
What would a traffic-free Oxford Street mean for Londoners, shoppers and businesses? Follow EyeOnLondon for continuing coverage of the capital’s changing streets.
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