Two thirds of Londoners back Oxford Street pedestrianisation

The Mayor of London says he wants to pedestrianise Oxford Street after a majority of Londoners say they back the plans.

Two-thirds (66%) of respondents to a consultation support the pedestrianisation plan, Sir Sadiq's office said.

A separate YouGov survey conducted in September 2024 indicated 63% of Londoners are in favour of the project.

Oxford Street is one of the world's busiest shopping areas, with around half a million visitors each day.

Sir Sadiq Khan wants to ban vehicles from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with the potential for further changes towards Tottenham Court Road.

Detailed proposals for traffic will be consulted on later this year.

A previous attempt by Sir Sadiq to pedestrianise that part of Oxford Street was blocked by then-Conservative run Westminster City Council in 2018.

His latest proposals depend on him obtaining permission from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in her role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would provide planning powers.

The aim is for this to be created by the start of next year.

Sir Sadiq said: "Oxford Street has suffered over many years, so urgent action is needed to give our nation's high street a new lease of life.

"It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.

"We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue.

"This will help to attract more international visitors and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come."

Ms Rayner said: "We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that's why we welcome the Mayor of London's bold proposals to achieve that.

"We will support the mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street - driving investment, creating new jobs for local people and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital."

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