Fury at plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street amid concerns over crime
Sadiq Khan ignited a huge row today after the Government gave the Labour Mayor new powers to force through a £150million pedestrianisation of Oxford Street.
Mr Khan wants work to start within two years to remove all vehicles from the famous shopping street - despite warnings it could become a crime-ridden 'no-go area'.
The proposal is part of a wider regeneration project which Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner claimed will give the popular shopping district 'the boost it needs'.
But industry leaders are calling for 'strong safety measures' to accompany the plans, given there are fears pedestrianisation could increase crimes such as shoplifting and pickpocketing - with evening revellers possibly more at risk from no passing traffic.
Oxford Street has suffered from big name exits in recent years, leaving boarded-up storefronts and a proliferation of tacky US-style sweet shops - but there are hopes it is finally bouncing back with the reopening of HMV and a forthcoming new Ikea.
The scheme aims to improve one of the world's busiest shopping zones for workers, residents, shoppers and tourists in an area which has about 500,000 daily visitors.
Mr Khan wants to pedestrianise a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with the potential for further changes towards Tottenham Court Road.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan today issued an artist's impression of a pedestrianised Oxford Street based on plans drawn up in 2017. These are representative of the type of initial scheme that could be implemented - rather than being the actual plans for the redevelopment
Christmas shoppers walk along the pavement on a busy Oxford Street on December 23, 2023
Groups of young people run away from police on Oxford Street during disorder in August 2023
An empty retail unit on Oxford Street, which is one of Europe's busiest shopping regions
Oxford Street has seen a proliferation of US-style sweet shops popping up in recent years
The Mayor hopes to reboot plans for a 'traffic-free pedestrianised avenue' similar to Times Square in New York, the Champs-Elysees in Paris and Barcelona's Las Ramblas.
How a monorail and flyover have previously been proposed to solve Oxford Street gridlock
A series of plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street have been proposed in previous decades – but none have ever got off the ground.
One of the most unusual was a monorail which would have run on a track 50ft above shoppers.
The idea was drawn up in 2012 by engineers KBR for a system to run the mile-length of the street and link it with Piccadilly Circus.
A monorail in Sydney, pictured in 2003
Lord Rogers, the Mayor's leading architectural adviser at the time, presented the idea to business leaders and said a similar system had worked well in Sydney.
But it was never taken forward - and the Sydney monorail ceased operating in June 2013.
Another plan for Oxford Street unveiled in 2008 by former mayor Ken Livingstone was a £200million tram system, which would have also seen the road pedestrianised.
Mr Livingstone wanted the system in place by 2018, but it never went forward amid a series of issues including concerns over overcrowding and insufficient space for the construction of a tram depot.
A further unusual proposal to pedestrianise the street was a plan in 1982 to build a flyover for buses and taxis which would dip down to street level at Oxford Circus.
The scheme, which was estimated to cost £47million in 1982 prices, would have avoided having to divert vehicles onto side streets – but concerns were raised about its viability and it never happened.
Going even further back, a report in the 1960s suggested dropping the road slightly into a shallow depression and raising the shopping level up by 20ft.
But the study, by Professor Sir Colin Buchanan, concluded that it was already too late for such a major reconstruction of the street – and the plan only ever remained at the idea stage.
But a previous £43million attempt by Mr Khan to ban traffic from Oxford Street was blocked by then-Conservative-run Westminster City Council in 2018 amid opposition from locals who feared traffic gridlock on the surrounding streets.
The local authority, seized by Labour in 2022, remains staunchly opposed to pedestrianising the street - and only found about the new plans last Thursday.
Some cabinet members were said to have been 'apoplectic' about Mr Khan's announcement, with the council already having 'shovel ready' plans for a £150million transformation including £89million on the street and £25million at Oxford Circus – while 'maintaining vehicular access'.
The impact on cyclists of Mr Khan's plan is not yet clear, with more detail on the plans awaited.
But the redevelopment is set to require 16 bus routes to be removed or diverted - including the 98 and 390 which run the full length of Oxford Street.
Restrictions already in place mean between 7am and 7pm vehicular access to parts of Oxford Street is limited to taxis and buses, except on Sundays.
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the London Taxi Drivers' Association, raised concerns about crime, saying his members had 'lost all confidence' in the police's ability to keep Oxford Street safe.
He told the Daily Telegraph : 'Of course, that's compounded by the level of street crime that they witness on a daily basis.
'The big thing that our members witness on a daily basis is phone snatches in London. And so they're thinking, well, what's the point in me ringing up and reporting that when nobody's doing anything about it?'
Concerns have also been raised about the impact on disabled people, with Inclusion London spokesman Laura Vicinanza saying: 'Fully pedestrianising Oxford Street would make it extremely difficult for disabled people, particularly people with mobility impairments to travel safely and independently.'
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said his group supported the pedestrianisation plan, telling MailOnline that it has the 'potential to boost the daytime, evening, and night-time economy by creating a safer, more enjoyable environment for shoppers, residents, and visitors'.
But he added: 'The success of this scheme depends heavily on addressing key elements such as robust infrastructure, enhanced public transport, and strong safety measures, particularly as criminality continues to be a pressing concern for late-night businesses.
'To truly revitalise Oxford Street and restore its status as a global destination, it is essential that plans accommodate the needs of the night-time economy.
'This must include extending operating hours, improving public transport access, and ensuring adequate policing to support a thriving after-hours scene.'
Also today, Nickie Aiken, the former Conservative MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, took to social media to accuse the Mayor and Government of trying to 'take away local democracy and railroad decisions local people do not support'.
Another artist's impression of a pedestrianised Oxford Street from plans released in 2017
An artist's impression of a night-time view of Oxford Street if it were to be pedestrianised
She urged the council to 'stand up to this bullying and bring a judicial review', adding that Mr Khan should instead be focusing on launching a pedicab licensing scheme.
Tim Barnes, a former Conservative councillor and parliamentary candidate for the same constituency, warned residents in Marylebone, Mayfair, Soho and Fitzrovia would oppose pedestrianisation.
He told the Standard : 'If they're going to resuscitate the 2018 plan, that Frankenstein's monster of a proposal, by shooting electricity through it to bring it back from the dead, I can see no reason to think they will be more successful in 2024 than they were six years ago.
'It gets very complicated very quickly. You end up cutting off access for the people who need it most.'
And the council's chief executive Stuart Love said: 'Westminster City Council has spent the last two years working closely with businesses and resident groups to develop detailed proposals to redesign and improve Oxford Street.
A police officer wrestles with a young man on Oxford Street in London in August 2023
Chaos in Oxford Street in August 2023 was triggered by an online push to 'rob JD Sports'
'These plans are shovel ready, have had the support of retailers and the local community and were intended to deliver significant economic growth whilst also securing a successful future for our thriving neighbourhoods in the West End.
'The latest pedestrianisation proposal from the Mayor of London was only shared with us last Thursday. It will be important to receive further details about what is planned, including how long it could take to be delivered and how the concerns of local residents and users of the street will be addressed.'
Julie Redmond from the Marylebone Association group warned pedestrianising Oxford Street would have 'several negative impacts on residents in the surrounding areas'.
She told of an 'increase in traffic congestion on nearby residential streets, more noise and air pollution in quieter areas, affecting the quality of life for those living there'.
Ms Redmond added that the 'influx of more visitors and shoppers will lead to overcrowding and more crime', while 'elderly residents, people with disabilities and families will also face reduced access to their homes'.
People cross the road at Oxford Circus today, after pedestrianisation plans were announced
Shadow Transport Minister Greg Smith told Playbook that the plans are 'yet another move by the Mayor of London to drive people out of London.'
He added: 'He may as well put up a sign saying 'don't come here, your money isn't welcome in our shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants'.'
The project is expected to cost around £150million, with City Hall officials hoping it could be paid for by a combination of local businesses, new revenue streams and private funders.
Among the businesses Mr Khan wants to be involved are those that belong to the New West End Company business improvement district.
And Dee Corsi, the group's chief executive, said: 'New West End Company has long championed the transformation of Oxford Street, navigating various challenges and proposals over the years.
Taxis, buses and cyclists travel along Oxford Street today after the proposals were unveiled
'We're encouraged by the renewed commitment to bring this vision to life and support the government's drive for economic growth.
'Given the history of past schemes, it is essential that we move swiftly to deliver this project.'
She added that the group would be working closely with the Mayor, Government and council but also warned that the 'devil will be in the detail'.
The plans have divided shoppers and road users, with pedestrian safety and accessibility for less mobile visitors seen as key issues.
Simon Weir, 50, who has worked in an office on the adjoining Regent Street for eight years, said he thought Oxford Street should 'definitely' be pedestrianised which would have a positive impact on safety and attract more visitors.
The Oxford Street redevelopment is set to require 16 bus routes to be removed or diverted
He said: 'I think if you pedestrianise it, get rid of some of the stores on there that are just terrible and bring back the sort of stores that are going to bring people in, then it becomes a proper shopping destination.'
Mr Weir said he had seen many 'near-misses' between pedestrians and traffic on the street.
'If you think about the kids but also the fumes,' he added, 'If you stand out here, it's just not good.'
Shaf, 40, who drives buses on the number 55 route which goes down Oxford Street and did not want to give his surname, agreed that the plans would improve safety for tourists.
He added: 'They don't know whether to look left or right, so half the time they step out in front of you. In the afternoon rush, it's crazy.'
Kaylee Southward, 23, who lives in London and travels to the area regularly to shop and work, also said she thought the plans would 'make life easier' and the road safer.
Taxis, buses and cyclists travel along Oxford Street today after the proposals were unveiled
She said: 'I think there's so much traffic here and the walkways are so busy that I think it would make it safer in general to have it pedestrianised, easier to get around.
'When it's busy, it's so busy you can't walk down the pavement - so if there's extra space, that would just make life easier,' she added.
Richard Lycett, 70, said that current traffic restrictions, including removal of bus stops near Selfridges, meant it was 'a lot of work' to get around the area but that this had not made him less likely to visit.
He added: 'Taxis, buses, they're fundamental to London - for getting around London, so if you closed off Oxford Street, pedestrianised it totally, how would you get from one end to the other?'
London cab driver Ben Mann, 48, said the plans would have a negative impact on those who are less mobile and would increase traffic congestion on nearby streets.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media on Oxford Street in November 2017, when plans to pedestrianise the western section of the popular shopping area were first unveiled
Speaking at a nearby taxi rank, Mr Mann, who has been driving black cabs in London for 21 years, added: 'What about access? I work this rank quite a lot and I would say seven out of 10 people are elderly people who still come shopping here.
'They're not capable of walking about - it's a long street. What about if you're in a wheelchair?'
Announcing the plans, Mr Khan said: 'Oxford Street was once the jewel in the crown of Britain's retail sector, but there's no doubt that it has suffered hugely over the last decade.
'Urgent action is needed to give the nation's most famous high street a new lease of life.
'I am excited to be working with the new Government, and local retailers and businesses, on these plans that will help to restore this famous part of the capital to its former glory, while creating new jobs and economic prosperity for the capital and the country.
Debenhams on Oxford Street shut in 2021 but is becoming a new retail and office complex
'I want Oxford Street to once again become the leading retail destination in the world.
'The transformation of Oxford Street will be a leading example of how working together - City Hall and the new Government - we can build a better London for everyone.'
Mr Khan's latest proposal depends on him obtaining permission from Ms Rayner in her role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would provide planning powers.
This request can only be made following a statutory period of consultation and consideration by the London Assembly.
Ms Rayner said: 'Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination and we want it to stay that way. By working with the mayor and local leaders, we can ensure it gets the boost it needs.
The HMV music store returned to Oxford Street last November following a four-year absence
'This plan to revitalise Oxford Street will drive growth by creating new jobs, generating economic activity, and giving a much-needed boost to London's night-time economy.'
A press release issued by Mr Khan also quoted the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, saying: 'I fully support Mayor Khan's visionary plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street.
'In Paris, we have seen firsthand how transforming our iconic streets into pedestrian-friendly areas has revitalised the city, reducing pollution and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.'
And Barcelona's Mayor Jaume Collboni was quoted as saying: 'Barcelona stands with London in its bold efforts to reimagine its urban spaces.
'Like our own transformation of Las Ramblas, this project will enrich the city's cultural life, create a more comfortable and friendly space for pedestrians, and inspire cities around the world to follow suit.'
Ikea is preparing to open a new store on Oxford Street, which is set to launch next spring
A further statement within the press release came from Peter Ruis, executive director for John Lewis, who said: 'Oxford Street has been home to the first ever John Lewis store since 1864.
'We're extremely proud of our place on the street and are investing significantly in our flagship, next month opening one of the country's biggest Beauty Halls and welcoming Waterstones.
'We're delighted to see the plans announced today to transform 'the nation's high street' and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to London's West End.'
And a quote from John Dickie, chief executive of the BusinessLDN group, said: 'We look forward to engaging with the new Mayoral Development Corporation as well as Westminster City Council, the London Borough of Camden, the New West End Company and other stakeholders to help to make Oxford Street an even more vibrant and attractive place to visit.'
Traffic congestion on Oxford Street (pictured on April 1, 1931) has been a problem for decades
There was also a statement from Barbara Stoll, director of the Clean Cities Campaign, who said: 'This is fantastic news and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost the West End's economy while tackling London's air quality crisis.
'Cities worldwide have shown that pedestrianisation increases foot traffic, boosts sales, and reduces retail vacancies — benefiting both local businesses and residents.
'This move will reinvigorate central London and will reinforce the city's role as a global leader in effectively tackling climate change whilst making urban life better for everyone.'