Sadiq Khan to ban all cars from Oxford Street as new proposals move ahead 'as quickly as possible'

The consultation saw two-thirds of Londoners specifically support pedestrianisation, with Khan now hoping to establish the regulation for the new measures by January 1, 2026.

The scheme aims to transform the mile-long stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street into a traffic-free zone, creating what Khan described as "a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue".

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The consultation results revealed strong backing across London and beyond, with recent polling showing 63 per cent of Londoners favoured pedestrianisation.

The figure jumped to 72 per cent amongst those who had visited Oxford Street within the past year.

Under the measures, the popular shopping district would operate with a car ban between set hours, with only certain vehicles allowed through.

The move could mimic similar restrictions in place between Portman Street to Great Portland Street, which sees buses, taxis, and cycles only allowed to access the streets from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday.

Transport for London explained that detailed traffic and highway proposals for the pedestrianisation will be published for consultation later this year.

Khan said: "It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.

"This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come."

The Mayor explained that the plans hoped to transform Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole country "can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone".

But before the new restrictions can go ahead, legislation and approval from the London Assembly will be required, with the Assembly set to discuss the notion this week.

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Selfridges executive director Meave Wall shared: "Selfridges has thrived on Oxford Street for well over 100 years, and we're hugely energised by the renewed commitment to make this area more enticing and attractive for locals and visitors from around the world."

Transport for London’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, Alex Williams, added that the consultation has shown a "clear desire to improve access to the shops, businesses and attractions within the area".

"We will now support the development of detailed traffic and highways plans to pedestrianise the section of road between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, which will be consulted on later this year," he said.

But not everyone is pleased with the new measure, with Andrew Boff AM, City Hall Conservatives warning that the proposed ban is "nothing short of a blatant power grab from local authorities and sets an extremely worrying precedent for planning in London".

He stated: "The Mayor is essentially asking for a blank cheque to reshape one of the world's most important shopping districts without having the courtesy to explain what he actually intends to do. This desperate attempt to secure a legacy by bulldozing through proper planning procedures shows just how out of touch he has become with Londoners' real priorities."

While the move hopes to make the shopping region more attractive as well as improve the use of public transport, drivers have shown mixed responses to the upcoming ban.

Taking to social media, someone shared: "It starts with one and then it goes on until there are loads of streets that are no go but he will still want to collect his Congestion/Ulez Charges etc and as with many areas of our current life give them an inch and they will take a yard."

Another warned: "Why is this undesirable to be allowed to run London, it's become Khan's kingdom.

"Regularly, people from other countries are posting, they won't be back in London ever, as it's changed so much, dangerous and now unrecognisable from their former visits. How long is he going to be allowed to wreck the capital ... it's a no-go area now as most."