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The mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has announced plans to move forward with the pedestrianisation of parts of Oxford Street as quickly as possible. According to Khan, two-thirds of people support the idea of banning traffic on this bustling street, emphasizing the urgency of revitalizing the nation’s high street. The proposed plan involves banning vehicles from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with potential further changes towards Tottenham Court Road.
Westminster City Council’s Labour leader, Adam Hug, expressed that while the plan was not their preferred outcome, it is crucial for the future of Oxford Street to progress collectively. Detailed proposals for the traffic arrangements on Oxford Street will undergo consultation later this year. Khan’s latest proposals hinge on receiving approval from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to establish a new mayoral development corporation with planning powers.
Questions remain regarding traffic diversion, the impact of relocating 16 bus routes, and accessibility for various groups including cyclists, bus and taxi users, and individuals with mobility restrictions. Despite initial support for the pedestrianisation scheme from visitors exceeding that of local business owners and residents, the plan had faced obstacles in the past. In 2018, Westminster City Council blocked the mayor’s previous pedestrianisation plans, citing lack of support from residents. In 2022, the council faced criticism for the Marble Arch Mound project, which experienced budget overruns and ultimately led to resignations.
In response to criticism and concerns, Khan emphasized the need for progress and the desire to rejuvenate Oxford Street as a global shopping and leisure destination. He believes that pedestrianising the area will attract more international visitors, spur new investments, and drive economic growth for years to come. However, some stakeholders like the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association have expressed apprehensions about the potential chaos and exclusion that may result from the proposed changes. While the mayor pushes forward with his ambitious vision, debates continue around the impact on congestion, public safety, and disabled access, raising questions about local democracy and the distribution of decision-making power in urban planning
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