Oxford Street is officially going car-free, in a move that will reshape the heart of central.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has now given the green light for Transport for London (TfL) to pedestrianise Oxford Street, removing traffic from the popular shopping street between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch.

The London Mayor signed off the proposals today (February 26), adding that he hopes the changes will transform the high street into a “world leading” shopping and leisure hub. Details on the timeline for the changes will arrive in the next few days.

The Mayor said: “I am delighted to be moving forward with my bold vision to transform Oxford Street into a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure and outdoor events.

“Following TfL’s detailed consultation, I’ve today made the decision to move ahead with these exciting changes to the nation’s high street. We will outline more details in the coming days, as we continue building a better more prosperous London for everyone.”

News of Oxford Street’s car-free future come after a trial-run last September in which at least two thirds of stores saw higher sales. In a formal consultation, the plans had been backed by more than 6,600 businesses.

However, some concerns were raised such as access for older and disabled people, as well as fears on how the plans could increase traffic in the surrounding area.

Alex Williams, chief customer and strategy officer at TfL, has welcomed the plans, saying: “We will work closely with Westminster Council in the coming months to implement changes to the roads around Oxford Street, and the mayor will provide more information on the next steps for this transformational scheme next week.”

Scott Parsons, chair of the newly created Oxford Street Development Corporation, added: “This is an exciting step towards creating a vibrant, new Oxford Street for Londoners, visitors and businesses alike. 

“We’re grateful to everyone who participated in TFL’s consultation, which will help shape the future of one of the world’s most iconic high streets.”

Time will tell if the move is a W for central.

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