Parts of London’s Oxford Street will become pedestrian-only from October 26, Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced.
The traffic-free section will cover almost one kilometre between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.
Buses, taxis, bicycles and other vehicles will be banned from the stretch as part of plans to transform the area ahead of the Christmas shopping period.
Khan said the project had received strong support from London residents and businesses and would help create a new pedestrian space for retail, leisure and cultural events.
“I’m excited to see my bold vision for Oxford Street really coming to life next month as we start going traffic-free,” Khan said.
Westminster City Council has raised concerns about the plans, saying residents and businesses still have unanswered questions about access, air pollution, street cleaning and public safety.
Tim Barnes, deputy leader of Westminster City Council, also warned that traffic could be diverted onto smaller nearby streets, creating economic and environmental problems.
“Traffic will be pushed to the small streets nearby causing economic and environmental harm,” Barnes said.
The council said it would write to the Oxford Street Development Corporation to raise its concerns about preparations for the project.
Khan said the pedestrianisation would mark the start of a wider transformation of Oxford Street into a pedestrian plaza with retail, workplaces, leisure and cultural activities.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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