Oxford Street car ban will begin 'real transformation of the nation’s high street' says Sadiq Khan

Buses, taxis and bikes will be banned from the almost a kilometre stretch from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street.

“I’m delighted that on 26 October the transformation of the nation’s high street into a pedestrian plaza will begin in earnest – a world-class space where flagship retail will sit alongside next-generation workplaces, designed to host exciting retail and leisure experiences from sport to fashion and cultural events in the future,” Lord Khan said.

Buses, taxis and bikes will be banned from the almost a kilometre stretch

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“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.

“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.”

But Westminster council has raised concerns about traffic being pushed into smaller surrounding roads by the scheme and said there was still a "long list of unanswered questions about how it will work”.

Lord Sadiq Khan has taken control of Oxford Street from Westminster City Council

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Tim Barnes, deputy leader of Westminster City Council 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.

"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.”