Oxford street pedestrianisation edges closer amid widespread support

Plans to transform London’s Oxford Street into a pedestrian-only zone has received widespread support, according to a consultation report.

Transport for London (TfL) and Westminster City Council said that of the 22,000 responses 48% were completely happy for the plans to go ahead and another 16% were happy despite having some concerns.

The plans include pedestrianising a part of Oxford Street – between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus – by December 2018 so as to coincide with the launch of Elizabeth line train services that will run through the precinct.

Additional plans include improved pedestrian crossings, wider pavements and additional public spaces and taxi ranks – taxis would also still be able to cross Oxford Street at Duke Street, Stratford Place, Vere Street and Harewood Place.

However, 33% of people did not support the plans, and TfL received a further 632 written responses as part of a local campaign against the proposals.

Val Shawcross, deputy mayor for transport, said the plans would create “one of the finest public spaces and shopping streets in the world”.

TfL city planning director Alex Williams added: “The introduction of the Elizabeth line later this year will significantly increase the number of people walking along Oxford Street and this creates a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform the area into an unrivalled place to live, visit and work.

“The results of this consultation show that there is a strong desire to improve the West End and make Oxford Street more pedestrian focused. All points raised in the consultation are being considered and we continue to work with Westminster City Council ahead of a final decision on the scheme later this year.”

A final decision is due to be made in the coming months by Transport for London (TfL) and Westminster City Council.