Oxford Street moved a step closer to pedestrianisation on Sunday as it hosted a day of traffic-free entertainment – but sentiment around the regeneration remains divided.
This is Oxford Street – a festival of live music, pop-up stalls, and interactive exhibitions on London’s flagship high street – has not silenced critics of the proposed redevelopment.
Transport for London (TfL) gained control of the road from Westminster City Council on Saturday, and will work with a newly created Mayoral Development Corporation to advance London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s ambition to permanently pedestrianise it.
But a variety of stakeholders have complained that plans are progressing without adequate consultation with, or consideration of, affected residents and businesses.
Tim Lord, chairman of the Soho Society community organisation said: “The people who live and work there have really plain, practical questions.
“Sadiq Khan should have answered questions on traffic displacement, access for elderly people, safety, and emergency access before taking all of these legal powers. It’s the wrong way around.”
Many objections to the pedestrianisation relate to potential increases in congestion on neighbouring roads, and the difficulty that people with reduced mobility could face in accessing Oxford Street.
It is also yet to be established how shops and restaurants will receive deliveries when vehicle access is removed, and many taxi drivers fear a blow to their income.
Jamie Owens, a black cab driver and member of the London Cab Drivers Club said: “A lot of our business is generated from those stores on Oxford Street. That loss of revenue is obviously going to have an impact.
“The capital’s workforce of licensed cab drivers is in decline, partially due to initiatives like this one. That’s why our numbers have fallen.
“Every road closure removes some of our working space. If you start removing the incentive to become a London taxi driver, people think twice about doing it.”
Logistical and safety concerns regarding the closure of one of London’s main thoroughfares have also been raised.
Lord said: “Oxford Street is a key route for emergency vehicles and police vehicles. The last thing we need to do is make life more difficult for police in the West End.”
In contrast, Khan sees pedestrianisation as the key to unlocking Oxford Street’s true potential.
He said: “As Mayor, I’m determined to unlock Oxford Street’s true potential and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean, avenue. It has suffered over many years so urgent action is needed to give our nation’s high street a new lease of life.
“Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect – but transforming Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
The famous shopping route contributes an estimated £25billion to London’s economy each year and attracts around half a million visitors a day.
The Mayor’s Office hopes that revamping the area will boost these figures.
It is also widely believed that pedestrianisation will make Oxford Street safer for the millions of people who walk along it each week.
“You’re standing at the site where I nearly died,” said Tom Kearney, a campaigner situated on the corner of Harewood Place and Oxford Street during Sunday’s event.
Kearney was hit by a bus in that exact spot 16 years ago – an accident that punctured both of his lungs and left him in a coma – and now campaigns for improved safety procedures and better conditions for drivers on TfL’s network of buses.
“Last year, more than one person per month was killed in bus collisions in London,” Kearney said.
“On this issue, I celebrate and applaud the mayor’s decision to take control of this road. I celebrate the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street.”
A group of London bus drivers, campaigning alongside Kearney, agreed.
Dylan Carroll, a 30-year-old bus driver from Tottenham, said: “We picked this exact point because this road here is the most dangerous road in the United Kingdom. This corner is statistically the most dangerous corner in the United Kingdom.
“I think it’s a good idea that they pedestrianise Oxford Street. It’s long overdue.”
Beyond possible improvements to public safety, attendees of Sunday’s event appeared excited by the prospect of a rejuvenated Oxford Street.
Tom, a software engineer who lives in Highbury, said: “I’m for the pedestrianisation. I think fewer cars in the centre please. This is a positive way to make that happen.”
Katie, a script writer from west London, said: “If it can continue to be used as an arts and events space, as it is today, that will be great for the wider community.
“Just to remind ourselves what London is capable of – rather than just shopping. It would be a lovely opportunity.”
Featured image credit: Ajay Smith
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