Sadiq Khan's latest power snatch will see him assume control of Oxford Street, effectively taking the authority away from Westminster and Camden Councils.
The idea of a pedestrianised Oxford Street holds an undeniable appeal for many Londoners and visitors alike. Who wouldn't enjoy strolling freely along one of the world's most famous shopping destinations without dodging traffic? Yet when you look closely at the details, the Mayor of London's plan to transform this iconic thoroughfare is far from straightforward, and there are serious concerns that Khan is set to mismanage this significant change. From increased congestion in surrounding areas to higher crime rates and accessibility concerns for disabled Londoners, the Mayor's plan could have far-reaching consequences, many of which are easily foreseeable.
In my role as a London wide Assembly Member, one of the most pressing concerns I have been raising in City Hall is the increase in crime this will bring. Oxford Street is not immune to criminal behaviour, and its status as a high-traffic area already makes it a hotbed for pickpocketing, anti-social behaviour, and mobile phone theft. By closing the streets to vehicles, the Mayor's plan risks exacerbating these issues, creating more opportunities for criminals to operate undetected. We need only look at Las Ramblas in Barcelona – a pedestrianised tourist area that has become notorious as a hunting ground for thieves targeting visitors. The presence of taxis, buses, and cars creates a kind of movement and activity that makes it harder for criminals to go unnoticed. This alongside easier police presence and response times can help deter criminal behaviour. However, by making Oxford Street pedestrian-only, this dynamic will change drastically, creating a more isolated and vulnerable environment for shoppers and visitors.
Sadiq Khan's latest power grab threatens an iconic London institution - Susan Hall
GB News/Getty Images
Another major concern is the impact of London's already overburdened transport network. Oxford Street serves as a vital corridor for public transport, with numerous buses, taxis and deliveries passing through daily. Rerouting this traffic to other congested streets – like Regent Street, Tottenham Court Road, or Great Portland Street – will undoubtedly exacerbate congestion in areas, which are already heavily trafficked. These streets, which are already used by commuters and residents, could quickly become gridlocked, leading to longer travel times and heightened noise pollution in neighbourhoods like Fitzrovia and Marylebone. It is important to remember that the traffic does not disappear; it simply gets rerouted elsewhere, creating new bottlenecks elsewhere in the city.
In addition, the Mayor's plan risks alienating some of the most vulnerable groups in our society; disabled people. For many, access to Oxford Street is reliant on the public transport network, particularly tubes and buses. By making the street pedestrian-only, those with mobility impairments would find themselves hindered. The situation is worsened by the fact that neither Oxford Circus nor Tottenham Court Road stations are step-free, making access to Oxford Street increasingly difficult for disabled visitors if buses and taxis are removed. The risk that Oxford Street could become a space that is only accessible to the able-bodied and those who can physically navigate a walk from a tube station, or walking half a mile from a bus stop poses a threat of social exclusion.
Then there is the issue of businesses. Oxford Street is home to some of the world's largest and most famous retailers, who depend on constant footfall and easy access to maintain their business. The loss of vehicular access to the street could disrupt their operations, particularly when it comes to deliveries and restocking. Retailers and service providers rely on a steady and reliable flow of goods, often arriving in large quantities or at specific times of the day, to ensure their shelves are stocked and services run smoothly. Delivery vehicles, which are currently able to park and unload close to store entrances, would be rerouted to other parts of London, making deliveries less efficient and requiring more time to unload goods and bring them to businesses. This would be catastrophic to London's economy.
Sadiq Khan must approach the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street with much caution.
Getty Images
Worst of all, a plan that addressed these concerns exists. Westminster Conservatives put together a comprehensive plan in consultation with residents and businesses that tackled the issues I've set here. As a Council, they secured £90m to regenerate the district and pedestrianise the street, incorporating concerns and rectifying or minimising them as best as possible. Now the Mayor, keen to take personal credit for work other people have done, has usurped the entire situation, and run roughshod over these plans. All the time and money invested in the scheme to date has been for nothing, and Khan is steamrolling his vision through without any care for the residents and businesses affected. Why can't he admit the Conservatives had a feasible plan?
The risks associated with pedestrianising Oxford Street are substantial, and the Mayor must approach this initiative with the utmost caution. While the idea of creating a cleaner, greener space is undoubtably appealing, it is crucial that adequate measures to mitigate the challenges above are put in place first. Without addressing these issues, the Mayor's plan risks doing more harm than good, jeopardising London's economy, safety, and accessibility for all.
