Visitors to Oxford Street on 21 September will get a taste of what life could be like if the road is pedestrianised
Oxford Street is to go car-free for a day to demonstrate how pedestrianisation could work, if the mayor of London’s plans go ahead.
The street will be closed to cars from 12:00 to 20:00 BST on Sunday 21 September, from Oxford Circus to Orchard Street, the day before World Car Free Day.
The road will be used for a free public event where local businesses will run themed areas involving fashion, sport, music, food and heritage. As part of the scheme, buses will take alternate routes from 21:00 BST on Saturday 20 September 04:00 on Monday 22 September.
In June, the Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said plans to pedestrianise parts of Oxford Street would move forward “as quickly as possible”.
The announcement followed a consultation that found that two thirds of people supported the principle of banning traffic on the street, which sees an average of half a million visitors each day.
Talking about the trial closure in September, Sir Sadiq said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to see Oxford Street in a whole new light, traffic-free, full of music, great food, pop-ups and entertainment for everyone.”
He added: “As mayor, I’m determined to unlock Oxford Street’s true potential and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean avenue.”
If the wider plans go ahead, vehicles would be banned between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with further potential changes towards Tottenham Court Road.
The mayor’s plans depend on him obtaining permission from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to establish a new mayoral development corporation, which would provide planning powers.
City Hall has said that Oxford Street is an area of “critical national economic importance”, and said it made an estimated annual contribution of £25bn to London’s economy.
It said the internationally famous shopping area had suffered due to the pandemic and rise of online shopping. But, others say the road suffers from high rents, a problem which pedestrianisation will not resolve.
Detailed traffic plans for pedestrianisation will be consulted on later in the year.
The chief executive at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Karim Fatehi, said: “The plans to revitalise Oxford Street are a bold and exciting step towards re-energising London’s West End, improving the area, increasing footfall for local businesses and boosting the city’s international reputation.
“We welcome the commitment to work with local businesses and residents to address logistical challenges and ensure the economic benefits are shared by everyone.” -BBC news
