Westminster Council Raises Concerns About Oxford Street Pedestrianisation
The debate over the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street in London continues to heat up as Westminster Council expresses its concerns about Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plans for the iconic thoroughfare. In a letter addressed to both Khan and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, the leader of Westminster Council outlined ten key areas of concern regarding the proposed scheme.
One of the primary issues raised by the Labour-run borough is the potential expansion of mayoral powers beyond the confines of the street itself. The council has made it clear that it will oppose any attempt by Khan to impose mayoral control beyond Oxford Street, insisting that any jurisdictional boundaries must be clearly defined to ensure that the council can cooperate effectively with the scheme.
Adam Hug, who heads Westminster’s first-ever Labour administration, cited “substantial practical challenges” that need to be addressed in order to ensure the successful implementation of the pedestrianisation scheme. He emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure that the transformation of Oxford Street benefits all stakeholders, including local residents and businesses in the West End.
The council’s skepticism extends to Khan’s proposal to create a government-approved Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to oversee the transportation aims for Oxford Street. Westminster is not convinced of the necessity of such a corporation and has called for strict limitations on its jurisdiction, focusing only on the areas of highway and public realm necessary for transportation and public realm schemes.
City Hall has yet to specify the exact boundaries of the proposed MDC, leading to speculation that it could encompass other parts of the West End beyond Oxford Street itself. The potential inclusion of areas like Marble Arch has raised questions about the scope and impact of the pedestrianisation scheme on the broader neighborhood.
Westminster Labour’s victory in the 2022 council elections was fueled in part by promises to address residents’ concerns about development activities and late-night noise under the previous Conservative administration. The opposition to the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street reflects a broader sentiment among locals who fear that the scheme could negatively impact accessibility and economic growth in the area.
Despite these concerns, Westminster Council has initiated “enabling work” on a program of improvements to Oxford Street and its surrounding areas. The scheme, developed in consultation with local stakeholders, aims to retain essential access for buses, taxis, and bicycles while enhancing the pedestrian experience on the street.
In response to Mayor Khan’s intervention, Westminster’s chief executive officer defended the council’s approach and signaled the displeasure of councillors with the proposed pedestrianisation scheme. The council is committed to ensuring that residents’ voices are heard in the decision-making process and that potential negative impacts are mitigated during the works period.
Subheadings:
Challenges of Implementing the Pedestrianisation Scheme
Concerns Over Mayoral Control and Jurisdiction
Impact on Residents and Local Businesses
As the debate over the future of Oxford Street continues, key questions remain unanswered about the feasibility and implications of the proposed pedestrianisation scheme. Westminster Council’s concerns highlight the need for thorough deliberation and collaboration to ensure that any transformation of the iconic street serves the interests of all stakeholders in the West End.