London's iconic Oxford Street, home to renowned retailers such as Selfridges and Marks & Spencer, could soon be pedestrianised in an effort to attract more shoppers, according to a new
proposal by Mayor Sadiq Khan unveiled on Tuesday.
If implemented, Oxford Street would join other global shopping destinations like New York's Times Square and Barcelona's La Rambla, which have gone completely traffic-free.
A previous attempt to ban vehicles from the 1.2-mile (1.9 km) stretch was blocked by Westminster City Council, but the renewed plan has gained support from Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
"This plan to revitalise Oxford Street will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and give a much-needed boost to London’s night-time economy," Rayner said.
According to the mayor's office, Oxford Street draws around half a million visitors daily. However, many flagship stores, including House of Fraser and Topshop, have closed in recent years, and the area has struggled to regain foot traffic after the COVID-19 pandemic, as more consumers turned to online shopping and remote work became more common.
Despite these challenges, the New West End Company, which represents Oxford Street retailers, stated that the area remains crucial for London's retail and hospitality sectors.
Some retailers have voiced their support for the proposal. John Lewis, which has operated its flagship store on Oxford Street since 1864, referred to the street as the "nation’s high street."
The mayor’s office has yet to clarify how public buses currently using the road would be rerouted if the plan proceeds.
Stuart Love, CEO of Westminster City Council, expressed the need for further details on how local residents' and shoppers' concerns over rerouted transport and access will be addressed.
The plan's future depends on final approval from Angela Rayner, who also serves as Britain's housing and communities minister.
The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has indicated its intention to accelerate the approval process for projects aimed at boosting the country's economic growth. Photo by Ysangkok, Wikimedia commons.