London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is facing a legal battle as local councillors push back against his proposal to pedestrianise Oxford Street, one of the city’s most iconic shopping destinations. The plan, which aims to ban traffic on a 0.7-mile stretch of the street, has sparked controversy, with critics accusing Khan of ignoring local concerns and pushing forward with the scheme without proper consultation.
The Greater London Authority (GLA) is currently consulting on the £150 million project, which includes the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). This body would grant Khan additional planning powers, allowing him to oversee the transformation of the area. However, Conservatives at Westminster City Council have announced plans to challenge the proposal at a budget meeting on March 5.
Khan has defended the plan, stating that Oxford Street contributes £22 billion to the local, national, and city economies and attracts 500,000 visitors daily. He emphasized the need to improve the street, saying, “I don’t believe anybody can sensibly be happy with the status quo.” He also distanced himself from the controversial Marble Arch Mound, a temporary attraction that was widely criticized, saying, “I wasn’t a fan of the Marble Arch Mound. I’m not sure anyone else was.”
Despite Khan’s assurances that he is working with the council, local leaders have accused him of disregarding public opinion. Paul Swaddle, councillor for the Regent’s Park ward and leader of the Conservative group, told The Telegraph, “The mayor is still ploughing on regardless of public opinion locally. I think [it shows] a great arrogance, and he’s treating Westminster council and even the Westminster Labour group with contempt.”
Swaddle added that the pedestrianisation plan, which is not expected to be completed until 2026 or 2027, lacks a clear strategy to mitigate its impacts. “We do not think pedestrianisation will work for Oxford Street. Until someone comes up with a way to mitigate its impacts, there’s no way we can support it,” he said.
Residents and local groups have also expressed concerns. Tim Lord of The Soho Society, a residents’ association, warned that the plan could worsen congestion in an already traffic-clogged city. “The path to hell is paved with good intentions. This is the wrong idea, implemented in the wrong way for the wrong reasons,” he said. “Part-pedestrianisation will increase congestion across London, and it’s already the slowest city in Europe.”
The debate over Oxford Street’s future highlights the challenges of balancing economic growth, urban development, and local concerns. While Khan argues that the transformation is necessary to revitalise the area and boost the economy, opponents fear it will lead to increased traffic problems and disrupt local communities.
As the legal challenge looms, the fate of Oxford Street remains uncertain. The outcome of the March 5 meeting could determine whether Khan’s vision for a pedestrian-friendly shopping district moves forward or is derailed by local opposition.
