The Labour administration at Westminster City Council has formally responded to Transport for London’s consultation on the proposed pedestrianisation of Oxford Street (west).
Oxford Street is one of London’s most important streets, but it is also surrounded by residential neighbourhoods. Changes at this scale affect not just visitors and retailers, but disabled people, older residents, parents with children, workers and local communities.
That is why Westminster’s response to TfL is detailed, firm and practical. It draws on the expertise of Council services who have managed Oxford Street since 1965 and understand its day-to-day realities.
The Council’s preference for its own transformation scheme is a matter of public record. We believed Oxford Street was already recovering and that improvements could have been best delivered.
However, the Mayor took a decision in autumn 2024 to use his powers to take over control of the street to deliver a scheme involving pedestrianisation. Westminster Labour negotiated hard on behalf of Westminster’s interests and ensured that the Eastern side would be delivered in plans similar to the Council’s original approach (retaining buses), the proposed size of the MDC was reduced and agreements were made on the Council retaining Strategic CiL and other funding, alongside other commitments.
Through this new consultation Westminster’s Labour run council is working to protect residents’ interests by ensuring the coming changes are properly designed, managed and governed.
Safety and security must come first
Pedestrianisation will significantly increase footfall. Without proper planning, that brings risks.
We have made clear that TfL must set out a robust approach to security, crime prevention and street management, including hostile vehicle mitigation, enforcement against anti-social behaviour and unlicensed trading, and effective cleansing and stewarding.
We believe this should operate 24 hours a day, not just during shopping hours, and must be backed by clear governance and agreed funding.
Accessibility is not optional
Any new public realm must work for everyone.
We have insisted that accessibility and inclusivity are central to the design, including:
- step-free routes and clear desire lines;
- tactile paving, dropped kerbs and safe crossing points;
- access to buses, taxis and properly designed stops;
- and accessible public toilets, including Changing Places facilities.
We are also pressing for early delivery of genuinely step-free access at Oxford Circus and Marble Arch stations.
We believe pedestrianisation will not succeed if it makes Oxford Street harder to use for disabled people, older residents or parents with buggies.
Protecting bus access and connectivity
We strongly oppose the proposed changes to bus routes 7 and 94, which provide vital access to Oxford Street for people who cannot use the Tube, particularly those who live in Bayswater, Lancaster Gate and Hyde Park wards.
Central London bus services have already been significantly reduced since the pandemic. Further cuts risk isolating communities and pushing more people into cars or taxis.
TfL must maintain direct, reliable public transport access to the West End and provide clear alternatives where changes are proposed.
Managing traffic, servicing and displacement
Removing traffic from Oxford Street will not remove traffic from Westminster.
We are concerned about displacement onto residential streets, particularly around North Audley Street, Grosvenor Square and Cavendish Square. TfL must provide clear modelling and mitigation plans.
Servicing and waste collection also need careful planning. Oxford Street’s buildings must still be supplied and cleaned without making life intolerable for nearby residents. We are pressing for timed servicing windows, freight consolidation and innovative solutions that reduce vehicle movements across the wider West End.
Emergency access must also be guaranteed, with confirmation from the emergency services that response times will not be compromised.
Cycling and east–west movement
The current proposals would prohibit cycling at all times along the pedestrianised section of Oxford Street. While we understand the safety concerns during peak shopping hours, we believe this approach is too blunt. Westminster has asked TfL to reconsider whether cycling could be permitted during quieter periods, such as before 11am, when footfall is low. Where cycling is not allowed, TfL must urgently provide a safe, clearly signed and continuous east–west alternative route. This is particularly important given that Wigmore Street is likely to experience increased traffic and will not be suitable for cycling. Any revised cycling arrangements must avoid conflict with pedestrians and ensure that people who rely on cycling to travel through central London are not displaced onto more dangerous streets.
Designing for climate resilience and quality
If Oxford Street is to be transformed, it must be done well.
We are calling for high-quality materials, sustainable drainage, shade and cooling measures, and designs that cope with heat and heavy rainfall. Cleansing and maintenance standards must reflect the scale of footfall the street will attract.
Public art and cultural activity should enhance Oxford Street without obstructing movement or creating management problems, with clear governance for installation and removal.
Joined-up planning across the West End
Oxford Street does not exist in isolation. TfL must align these proposals with other major public realm schemes in the West End including Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus and Haymarket to avoid unintended consequences and operational pinch points.
Transport, servicing, cycling routes and taxi provision all need to work together across central London, not compete for space street by street.
Staying engaged to protect Westminster
Westminster’s Labour Council remains committed to constructive engagement with TfL, the Mayoral Development Corporation, local landowners and resident groups.
Through strong representation on the MDC board, detailed scrutiny of proposals, and ongoing dialogue, we will continue to push for a scheme that improves Oxford Street while safeguarding the people who live, work and travel through the West End.
Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development said: “Oxford Street is changing, and our priority is making sure those changes work for the people who live, work and travel through the West End. We’ve been clear about our concerns, and we’re staying engaged to protect accessibility, safety and quality as plans develop.”