Westminster Council is expressing concerns about Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street. The council’s leader, Adam Hug, has outlined ten key areas of concern in a letter to Mayor Khan and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Hug emphasizes that the council is willing to cooperate with the scheme as long as mayoral powers are limited to the street itself.
One of the main concerns raised by Hug is the practical challenges of delivering the pedestrianisation scheme. He believes that these challenges need to be thoroughly addressed to ensure the transformation of the street benefits everyone with a long-term stake in the West End, including local residents. The council is also questioning the need for a government-approved Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to oversee the transportation aims for Oxford Street.
There is uncertainty about the boundaries of the MDC and whether it will extend beyond Oxford Street to include other parts of the West End. The council is adamant that any expansion of planning powers beyond what is necessary for the street transformation scheme will be firmly resisted. The council wants to ensure that the voices of residents are heard in the decision-making process and that adverse local impacts are minimized during the works period.
Despite initial opposition from some council members, enabling work has begun on a programme of improvements to Oxford Street and its adjacent areas. The scheme, devised after consultation with local businesses and residents, aims to retain bus, taxi, and bicycle access to Oxford Street. The council’s investment in the Oxford Street programme so far totals £90 million, and they are requesting reimbursement for these costs.
In response to concerns raised by Westminster Council, Mayor Khan has confirmed that cycling will not be permitted on a pedestrianised Oxford Street. This decision has been welcomed by some activists who view it as a safety issue. However, there is potential for cyclists to access the street at night in the future. The council is also seeking clarification on how cycling can be better integrated in and around Oxford Street.
Overall, Westminster Council is committed to ensuring that any future transformation of Oxford Street is done in a way that benefits all stakeholders in the West End. The council is urging Mayor Khan and the government to address their concerns and work towards a solution that prioritizes the well-being of local residents and businesses.