The iconic Oxford Street could be transformed into a European-style pedestrianised avenue without traffic, new plans have revealed.
The London world-famous shopping street is known for its retailers and Christmas lights attracting huge crowds – rain or shine.
Now the London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced plans to stop traffic on the iconic street which sees around 500,000 visitors each day.
If the plan gets green light from the London Assembly, the road could be turned into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue inspired by New York’s Times Square and Barcelona’s Las Ramblas.
The move is part of a bid to give Oxford Street ‘new lease of life’ after it has ‘suffered hugely over the last decade, Khan said.
This is not the first time the mayor’s office has attempted to clear cars of Oxford Street – a previous attempt was blocked by then-Conservative-run Westminster City Council in 2018.
Khan said: ‘Oxford Street was once the jewel in the crown of Britain’s retail sector, but there’s no doubt that it has suffered hugely over the last decade. Urgent action is needed to give the nation’s most famous high street a new lease of life.
‘I am excited to be working with the new Government, and local retailers and businesses, on these plans – that will help to restore this famous part of the capital to its former glory, while creating new jobs and economic prosperity for the capital and the country.
‘I want Oxford Street to once again become the leading retail destination in the world.’
He said the transformation project will be ‘a leading example’ of the City Hall and the new government working together to ‘build a better London for everyone.’
The proposal has attracted support from the deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner , who said the area needs a ‘boost’ along with John Lewis bosses.
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Rayner said: ‘Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination and we want it to stay that way. By working with the Mayor and local leaders, we can ensure it gets the boost it needs.”
‘This plan to revitalise Oxford Street will drive growth by creating new jobs, generating economic activity, and giving a much-needed boost to London’s night-time economy.’
Peter Ruis, the executive director for John Lewis, said the retailer was ‘delighted to see the plans announced today to transform ‘the nation’s high street’ and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to London’s West End.’
It comes more than four months after Khan won the mayoral election for a second term.
Oxford Street has often been named as one of the worst roads for pollution in the UK. In 2014, researchers found that the nitrogen dioxide levels were more than 11 times higher than the EU safe limit of 40mg3.
Other London Mayors across the political divide have also considered measures to change the face of Oxford Street, including former mayor Boris Johnson.
Then-mayor Johnson told businesses in 2016 he was open to considering banning buses and cars on parts of the street, but ruled out a full pedestrianisation, the Evening Standard reported.
All candidates in the 2016 mayoral election backed the idea of pedestrianising it.
The lates plans are subject to a statutory consultation and approval by the London Assembly.
Khan also needs to obtain permission from Rayner in her role as the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
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