Transformational plans have been unveiled to create a new traffic-free pedestrian boulevard in the Oxford Street area of London.

The proposals would see the area redeveloped into a high-class outdoor shopping experience featuring new traffic-free public spaces, with improvements carried out to roads and pavements.

Features include;

• Western section of Oxford Street could be transformed to create a world-leading outdoor shopping experience

• Subject to public response, plans for traffic-free area between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus will be delivered by December 2018 to coincide with launch of Elizabeth line services and increased visitor numbers

• Plans for the wider area could include new high-quality public spaces, new cycle routes, 25 improved pedestrian crossings, wider pavements, and additional taxi ranks.


Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, 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.

"Whether you're a local resident, a business, or shop in some of the area's famous stores, our plans will make the area substantially cleaner and safer for everyone, creating one of the finest public spaces in the world.

"Alongside the arrival of the Elizabeth Line, the Oxford Street area will be truly transformed over the coming years. We will continue to work closely with residents, businesses and Westminster Council to ensure the plans are the very best they can be, including investing in wider pavements, pedestrian crossings, more taxi ranks and further high-quality cycling infrastructure to support everyone living and working in the wider area."

The plans are now under public consultation until 17 December 2017.

Depending on the results, work to deliver these improvements could begin in early 2018 to allow the scheme to be in place by the time Elizabeth line services begin in December 2018.

To respond to the consultation, visit here.

Image credit: TfL.

(LM/MH)