Two out of three drivers have shown support for Sadiq Khan’s plan to pedestrianise London’s iconic Oxford Street which could come into effect next year.
According to a YouGov poll 63 per cent of Londoners support pedestrianising Oxford Street with at least 33 per cent “strongly” supporting the move.
The move would see a 0.7-mile section of the road between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch issued a car ban with the potential for further expansion into Tottenham Court Road.
The busy area currently operates under strict rules for vehicles with buses, taxis, and bicycles only allowed from 7am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday, between Portman Street and Great Portland Street.
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The move would ban buses and taxis from Oxford Street in London
PA
According to the report, only a quarter are opposed (23 per cent) to the idea with 11 per cent strongly opposed to the plan which could come into effect next year.
When asked about making more streets pedestrian-only across Greater London in general, 48 per cent of residents say they would like to see more streets converted.
However, when asked about “your local area specifically”, support drops to just 37 per cent, with 49 per cent now opposed to more car-free streets, although inner Londoners are divided, with 45 per cent supportive but 42 per cent against.
Commenting on the proposal, Khan said: “Oxford Street is the UK’s most famous shopping street. It deserves to be a world-class retail destination.
“These plans will pedestrianise and transform Oxford Street for Londoners and visitors. Urgent action is needed to give the nation’s most famous high street a new lease of life.
“I am excited to be working with the new Government, and local retailers and businesses, on these plans – that will help to restore this famous part of the capital to its former glory, while creating new jobs and economic prosperity for the capital and the country.”
While the YouGov poll showed support for the scheme drivers on social media have been less enthusiastic.
One person shared: “It would be a very big mistake to stop the cars in Oxford Street. These pedestrianisations kill the hustle and bustle that gives an area some life.”
Karim Fatehi, CEO of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry explained that while the group is supportive of the efforts being made by Westminster Council, he said it could impact footfall compared to other major cities.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner added that the plan to revitalise Oxford Street will help drive growth by creating new jobs, generating economic activity, and giving a “much-needed boost to London’s night-time economy”.
However, another person on social media claimed: “Fabulous day awaits for the e-scooters so they can snatch phones 24/7. And let’s not forget that the Taxis won’t be able to drop the disabled off to their chosen shops.
“This Labour Government haven’t got a clue. A disaster. Only five more years. God help us.”
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According to Sadiq Khan, the ban could come into force next year
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Notably, the survey flagged the differences politics play when looking at whether people want to pedestrianise Oxford Street. The survey recorded how those backing left-wing parties in 2024 were more in favour than those who opted for the right.
The report found that 72 per cent of Labour voters were in support of the move while 66 per cent were Lib Dem voters. Only 45 per cent voted Tory, while even fewer were Reform UK voters (31 per cent).
