Large parts of London's Oxford Street could be pedestrianised by December 2018, under plans put forward by London Mayor Sadiq Khan. About half a mile of the street from Oxford Circus to Orchard Street could become a "traffic-free pedestrian boulevard", the mayor said. He said he hoped it would coincide with the arrival of the Elizabeth Line in central London in December next year. More than four million people visit Oxford Street each week. All east-west traffic will be stopped but some north-south routes will be maintained, according to the plans. Older cars may have to pay extra London 'air pollution charge' London's Oxford Street bus routes cut by 40% Oxford Street to be pedestrianised by 2020 Other proposals include: Cyclists would not be able to ride in the pedestrianised area but Transport for London said it would consult on plans to create "new high-quality cycle routes" to the north and south of Oxford Street. Mr Khan said: "Oxford Street is world famous with millions of visitors every year, and in just over a year the iconic part of the street west of Oxford Circus could be transformed into a traffic-free pedestrian boulevard. "Alongside the arrival of the Elizabeth Line, the Oxford Street area will be truly transformed over the coming years." Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of the New West End Company, said: "After years of campaigning, it's excellent news finally to see commitment from our politicians to a game-changing transformation of Oxford Street." Richard Massett, chairman of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association said: "The LTDA is disappointed by the proposals for Oxford Street that were presented today. "A 24 hour vehicle ban presents a major threat to the West End as a whole. Forcing traffic onto neighbouring streets will merely shift congestion and pollution, all the while making it far harder to visit London's premier retail destination." The plans are out for consultation until 17 December.
Sections of London’s Oxford Street, visited by More than four million people each week, could be pedestrianised by December 2018, according to new proposals by the city’s mayor, Sadiq Khan. Approximately half a mile of the street could become a "traffic-free pedestrian boulevard," with all east-west traffic being halted. Other proposals include raised pavements for increased accessibility and provision of new and extended taxi ranks. The proposals are designed to coincide with the arrival of new rail system, the Elizabeth Line, in central London next year.