London's Oxford Street to be pedestrianised from October despite 'long list of unanswered questions' and fears traffic will be 'pushed to the small streets'

Cars will be banned from travelling down a stretch of Oxford Street 'just in time for Christmas', London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced – despite a 'long list of unanswered questions'.The major road in the West End of London is set to be pedestrianised from October 26 – with vehicles barred from almost one kilometre of it.Lord Khan has cited 'strong support from Londoners and businesses' – adding he is 'excited' to see his 'bold' vision come to life.'Following strong support from Londoners and businesses, I'm excited to see my bold vision for Oxford Street really coming to life next month as we start going traffic–free, just in time for the busy Christmas shopping period,' the mayor said.'I encourage everyone to explore and enjoy our newly traffic–free Oxford Street, as we work to create a vibrant destination that welcomes Londoners and visitors alike.'Revitalising Oxford Street will help to super–charge regeneration, boosting jobs and economic growth in the capital and beyond.'However, the plans have come under fire from Westminster Council amid a 'long list of unanswered questions about how it will work'.Councillor Tim Barnes, deputy leader and cabinet member for growth and planning, said: 'While we finally now have a timetable for the proposed pedestrianisation, Westminster City Council, residents and businesses on Oxford Street still have a long list of unanswered questions about how it will work. An artist's impression of the pedestrianised Oxford Street, which has been approved The plans have gone ahead despite fears from residents that the new car-free zone will become a 'target' for gangs and shoplifters'If this is going to be the "greener, better and more prosperous" success that the Mayor has promised, then issues around access, air pollution, street cleaning and public safety, need answers urgently.'Right now there's a danger that we will have all of the downsides and too little upside. Traffic will be pushed to the small streets nearby causing economic and environmental harm.'We are writing to the Oxford Street Development Corporation with our serious concerns now it is obvious the Mayor is rushing preparations with little time left.'Oxford Street is one of the world's busiest shopping areas, with around half a million visitors each day.Buses, taxis, bikes and other vehicles will be banned from the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.The Marylebone Association, which represents residents and businesses, previously claimed the move will increase crime on the road.It described the plans as 'dangerous, unworkable and catastrophic for the surrounding neighbourhoods', adding it would make the zone a 'magnet' for criminals.The Marylebone Association said: 'The scheme solves nothing and creates new risks on an unprecedented scale. The major road in the West End of London is set to be pedestrianised from October 26 – with vehicles barred from almost one kilometre of it'Removing traffic removes natural surveillance, turning the street into an open stretch vulnerable to gangs, rough sleeping, illegal trading and street crime.'Businesses already report soaring shoplifting, assaults and anti–social behaviour. Even the Mayor's own strategy relies on a major expansion of the late night economy, increasing alcohol licences and extensions.'It also accused the Mayor of an 'ideological experiment' and that police patrols would need to be stepped up to prevent anti-social behaviour, alongside the erection of barriers to prevent 'hostile vehicles'.A previous attempt by Lord Khan to pedestrianise part of Oxford Street was blocked by then-Conservative-run Westminster City Council in 2018.To succeed with his latest plan, he obtained permission from the Government to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation – which provides planning powers – while Transport for London (TfL) took over control of the road from the council.TfL will work with the Oxford Street Development Corporation to clean and declutter the street and install new safety measures, with works beginning this week.The pedestrianisation of this initial stretch forms the 'first phase' of changes to Oxford Street, according to the mayor's office.The changes will be temporary so that 'real–time data' can be collected on how people use the space which will help inform the design of permanent improvements as part of plans to pedestrianise the rest of Oxford Street.Two new public squares, more than 100 new seats, dining tables and over 50 new trees are expected to be in place by the end of spring next year.Cllr Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, previously said: 'Westminster Council's view on Oxford Street pedestrianisation is a matter of longstanding public record.'Our role now is to ensure that the Mayor's Oxford Street Transformation is made to work for local communities, as well as for London.'Over the last eighteen months we have secured a number of key improvements from the Mayor of London's original plans to ensure that the proposals for Oxford Street are more deliverable and better meet the needs of local residents, businesses, and wider London.'These include ensuring that Oxford Street East transformation will be delivered in line with Westminster's previous plans that retain bus access, and the Council's retention of strategic development funding.'We will continue work pragmatically with the Mayor's team to ensure a bright future for the nation's high street as well as for our residential communities and businesses.'