THE UK’s busiest high street will be shut off to traffic for eight hours later this month – giving shoppers a first-hand glimpse of a car-free future.
Oxford Street in central London will go traffic-free between Oxford Circus and Orchard Street from 12pm to 8pm on Sunday, 21 September, the day before World Car Free Day.
If the full scheme goes ahead, vehicles would be banned from Oxford Circus to Marble Arch[/caption]
Buses will be diverted from 9pm on Saturday 20 September until 4am on Monday 22 September[/caption]
Detailed traffic plans will be set out later this year[/caption]
During the event, visitors will be able to wander freely along the normally jam-packed road while enjoying themed zones of fashion, sport, music, food and heritage, put on by local businesses.
Buses will be diverted from 9pm on Saturday September 20 until 4am on Monday September 22 .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to see Oxford Street in a whole new light, traffic-free, full of music, great food, pop-ups and entertainment for everyone.
“As mayor, I’m determined to unlock Oxford Street’s true potential and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean avenue.”
The one-day closure comes after a consultation found that two-thirds of Londoners backed pedestrianisation of the UK’s busiest shopping street, which welcomes around 500,000 visitors a day.
If the full scheme goes ahead, vehicles would be banned from Oxford Circus to Marble Arch, with further changes possible towards Tottenham Court Road.
City Hall says Oxford Street is of “critical national economic importance”, generating an estimated £25 billion a year for London’s economy. But the area has been hit hard by Covid and online shopping.
Karim Fatehi, chief executive at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The plans to revitalise Oxford Street are a bold and exciting step towards re-energising London’s West End, improving the area, increasing footfall for local businesses and boosting the city’s international reputation.
“We welcome the commitment to work with local businesses and residents to address logistical challenges and ensure the economic benefits are shared by everyone.”
Detailed traffic plans will be set out later this year.
Visitors will be able to wander freely along the normally jam-packed road[/caption]