Sadiq Khan has announced plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street in London, which will result in a ban on buses and taxis driving through the area. The Mayor of London explained that buses may be rerouted to avoid Oxford Street or may stop at one end and pick up passengers at the other end when the shopping street is closed to traffic. Khan believes that the lack of traffic will encourage more people to spend money in the ‘flagship’ stores along Oxford Street. He suggested that people could use nearby Tube and Elizabeth line stations as alternatives to buses.
The Mayor stated, “What we know is we now have in this part of London two fantastic, world class stations serving a world class railway line – the Elizabeth line, and Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road. So there are alternatives that people are using now to come to this part of London. In the past, they’d be driving or taking the taxi or using a bus. That helps.”
In addition to the ban on buses and taxis, Khan mentioned that he would ensure that ‘side roads’ are installed for cabs to drop off and pick up disabled residents. He also highlighted the use of the Hopper fare, which allows passengers to transfer between buses within an hour without paying extra. This initiative aims to provide more convenient and cost-effective transportation options for those visiting Oxford Street.
Regarding the potential rerouting of buses, Khan stated, “Some may stop, some may be rerouted. We’ll work with the residents and the council and TfL to get the best possible scheme.” The goal is to create a plan that benefits both residents and visitors while reducing congestion in the area.
Officials hope that by pedestrianising Oxford Street, it will be able to compete with other popular shopping destinations like New York and Barcelona. Khan emphasized the importance of not allowing the status quo to continue, as it is leading to a managed decline of the street. He envisions a revitalised Oxford Street that returns to its former glory and becomes even better than before.
On the topic of potential congestion in other areas as a result of the changes, Khan noted, “I’ve seen in other parts of the globe, in other parts of the country, in other parts of the city pedestrianising streets leads to progress and leads to improvements. It’s really important to address concerns that people have, but not to allow forces to keep the status quo.”
TfL will be consulting the public on changes to its bus services, and details can be found on their website. For the latest travel news on London’s roads, trains, and buses, readers can sign up for the new London Traffic and Travel newsletter.
Overall, the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street aims to create a more enjoyable and accessible shopping experience for visitors while reducing traffic congestion in the area. By implementing alternative transportation options and consulting with residents and stakeholders, officials hope to transform Oxford Street into a world-class shopping destination once again.