London Mayor says pedestrianisation will happen ‘as quickly as possible’ – but disability groups warn scheme will make street ‘extremely difficult’ to access
Sadiq Khan has vowed to push ahead with banning all traffic from Oxford Street “as quickly as possible” after claiming the controversial £150 million scheme is backed by the “vast majority of Londoners.”
The London Mayor announced that cars, buses and taxis will be banned from nearly a mile of the famous shopping street between Great Portland Street and Orchard Street – creating what he calls a “world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue.”
But critics have warned the plan could turn the crime-plagued street into a “no-go zone” and make it “extremely difficult” for disabled people to access shops, while black cab drivers fear it will create chaos on surrounding roads.
The Numbers Behind the Decision
Khan’s office claimed “overwhelming support” for the scheme after a public consultation that ran from February to May attracted 6,642 responses.
According to City Hall:
- 70% of respondents backed the overall regeneration proposals
- 66% specifically supported pedestrianisation
- A separate YouGov poll found 63% of Londoners in favour
However, critics questioned whether 6,642 responses truly represent the views of London’s 9 million residents and the half-million daily visitors to Oxford Street.
What Will Be Banned
Under the £150 million plan:
- ALL vehicles banned from a 0.7-mile stretch (expanded from original plans)
- The pedestrianised zone will run from Great Portland Street to Orchard Street
- Oxford Circus will now be included in the traffic-free area
- Potential for future expansion towards Tottenham Court Road
- Multiple bus routes will need to be diverted
- Taxis will lose access to one of their key routes
Timeline for Changes
Despite Khan’s promise to move “as quickly as possible,” the reality is:
- Legislation needed by January 1, 2026
- Detailed traffic plans to be published “later this year
- Changes unlikely to be implemented before 2027
- Khan keen to complete before his mayoral term ends in May 2028
Crime and Safety Fears
Critics have warned that pedestrianisation could exacerbate Oxford Street’s existing problems with:
- Pickpockets targeting tourists
- Shoplifting gangs
- Street crime
- Anti-social behaviour
The busy shopping area has already “become blighted with pickpockets and shoplifters,” according to reports, raising concerns it could become a “no-go zone” without the presence of buses and taxis.
Disability Groups Sound Alarm
Laura Vicinanza from disability campaign group Inclusion London issued a stark warning:
Fully pedestrianising Oxford Street would make it extremely difficult for disabled people, particularly people with mobility impairments to travel safely and independently.
The removal of bus routes is particularly concerning for:
- Elderly shoppers
- Those with mobility issues
- People on low incomes who rely on buses
- Anyone unable to walk long distances
Black Cab Fury
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA), blasted the plans, warning that removing traffic from Oxford Street will “increase congestion” across central London.
Taxi drivers fear:
- Loss of a major route through central London
- Increased journey times for passengers
- More traffic on surrounding streets
- Reduced accessibility for tourists and shoppers
Westminster Council’s Alternative Rejected
Westminster City Council had developed its own £90 million “shovel ready” plan that would have:
- Improved Oxford Street WITHOUT banning traffic
- Maintained direct bus access
- Preserved accessibility for disabled and elderly shoppers
- Been supported by local resident groups
Council chief executive Stuart Love revealed Khan’s pedestrianisation proposal was “only shared with us last Thursday” before the announcement.
Power Grab Concerns
To push through the scheme, Khan will establish a Mayoral Development Corporation that will:
- Take planning powers AWAY from Westminster Council
- Override local opposition
- Control fundraising for the project
- Have the final say on traffic changes
This represents a significant power grab from local democracy to City Hall control.
Business Support – But At What Cost?
Major retailers including Selfridges, John Lewis and new arrival IKEA have backed the plans, with IKEA’s UK CEO Peter Jekelby calling it “a positive step.
But smaller businesses worry about:
- Delivery access problems
- Staff commuting difficulties
- Reduced passing trade from bus passengers
- The two-year disruption during construction
The Failed History
This is far from the first attempt to pedestrianise Oxford Street:
- 2006: Ken Livingstone’s plan (with trams) was scrapped
- 2016: Boris Johnson’s partial pedestrianisation failed
- 2018: Khan’s first attempt blocked by Westminster Council
- 2022: Plans for a “piazza” were abandoned
What Happens Next
Despite claiming to move “as quickly as possible,” the reality is:
- London Assembly must approve the Mayoral Development Corporation
- Legislation must be drafted with government
- Detailed traffic plans must be consulted on
- Bus routes must be reorganized
- Construction won’t begin until 2027 at the earliest
The Real Question
As Oxford Street struggles with declining footfall, rising crime and empty shops, the question remains: will banning traffic revive the “nation’s high street” or simply shift its problems elsewhere?
With disability groups alarmed, taxi drivers furious, and Westminster Council sidelined, Khan’s determination to push ahead “as quickly as possible” looks set to spark years of controversy before a single bollard is installed.
