Westminster council launches consultation for development of Oxford Street
Westminster City Council has launched a consultation into the development of Oxford Street after Sadiq Khan's plans to pedestrianise the famous shopping area were ditched in the summer.
The council has asked residents, businesses and visitors to give their verdict on their new plans for the street, which it says will increase walking space while retaining a two-way lane for vehicles.
The mayor's plans were scuppered after the council pulled its support for the project citing concerns from residents who did not want traffic diverted into nearby streets.
The council's decision was generally poorly received from businesses who had been expecting the plans to go ahead. They expressed concern that the area could become increasingly congested by the people traffic brought in through the Elizabeth Line, scheduled to launch in December, also the start-date for Oxford Street.
The council unveiled its new plans in October, when it revealed it would spend £150m developing the area over three years. Under the plans buses will run for 24 hours along the street, but the council has said any commercial vehicles that are not zero emission will be banned and a 20mph limit will be imposed across the district.
Read more: Oxford Street pedestrianisation cancelled: Mayor hits out at 'betrayal'
Westminster cabinet member Richard Beddoe said: “We want everyone with an interest in Oxford Street’s future to share their views through our consultation. We recognise that a major overhaul is urgently required. That’s why we have a new district wide plan with over 90 different projects proposed across 85 separate locations. This is an exciting challenge and our new game changing strategy sets out how we can re-invent the nation’s high street.
“The area’s ongoing success is key to generating prosperity, employment opportunities and wealth for the capital, as well as the country.”
Chief executive of campaigning charity Living Streets Joe Irvin said: "The proposals from the City of Westminster are no doubt a step in the right direction. But the problems of road safety, overcrowding and pollution in Oxford Street, together with the challenge to its retail offer, require a transformative plan and we are not convinced these proposals are enough to meet the challenges facing Oxford Street. We also remain concerned that traffic domination across the wider area is not being adequately addressed.”
The consultation will run from 6th November to 16th December 2018.