Sadiq Khan has launched a new consultation which would see cars banned from popular tourist spots in London, with drivers urged to provide feedback.
The Mayor of London has opened a public consultation today on proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street following his announcement on the plans last year.
The move would see cars banned from using the 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch and builds on the existing restrictions in place for cars between 7am and 7pm, except on Sundays, with buses and certain taxis being the exception.
The aim of the ban would help create a more pedestrian-friendly public space to attract shoppers to Oxford Street while also improving air quality in the area.
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Sadiq Khan hopes the car ban will reduce air pollution in the area
PA
Launching today, the consultation will run until May 2, with residents and drivers urged to share their views ahead of the closing date.
Mayor Khan said: "Oxford Street has been known as the nation’s high street, but the area has suffered in recent years. My proposals are designed to unlock the true potential of Oxford Street and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean, avenue.
"These proposals would help to restore this famous part of the capital and support good businesses, while creating new jobs and boosting growth."
He encouraged everyone to have their say on these proposals, which could "transform Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of as we continue to build a better London for everyone".
The plans have been backed by Westminster Council, which said the proposal is a step forward in what has been a "long-running issue" for London.
Councillor Adam Hug shared that subject to the outcome of the consultation, the council's role will be to ensure that the proposed Oxford Street transformation "delivers for local communities, as well as for London".
"We have already fought hard to secure numerous improvements from the Mayor of London to ensure that any plans for Oxford Street are deliverable and meet the needs of residents, businesses, and wider London," he added.
Since 2022, the council has already spent £22million on measures to improve Oxford Street, including introducing traffic flows on Wigmore and Mortimer Streets and Cavendish Square.
The plan would also restrict bus access to the street with taxis having to pick up or drop off at side streets.
Dee Corsi, Chief Executive, New West End Company, added: "The launch of the public consultation marks a significant milestone in the journey of the nation’s high street. It is an important step towards unlocking the full potential of Oxford Street and the wider West End.
"We are ready to work with the Mayor, the Government, Westminster City Council, and the local community to bring this vision to life and drive long-term benefits for London and the UK as a whole."
Once the consultation is completed, Transport for London will review the responses and if approved it could be introduced by January 1 2026.
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Map of the proposed pedestrianised route along Oxford Street
TFL
John Dickie, CEO of BusinessLDN, stated: "Oxford Street is London’s flagship high street and an attraction for visitors from across the country and all over the globe. As a key strategic site that spans borough boundaries, the Mayor has an important role to play in investing in and helping to improve the area for the benefit of Londoners, businesses and visitors.
"We look forward to engaging with the Mayor as well as Westminster City Council, the London Borough of Camden, New West End Company and other stakeholders to help to make Oxford Street an even more vibrant and attractive place to visit."
