Sadiq Khan IGNORES warnings of turning Oxford Street into ‘no-go’ crime zone hell as he plans to BAN all vehicles from iconic road
Sadiq Khan plans to pedestrianise London’s Oxford Street, despite warnings that the popular shopping hub will become a no-go-zone.
The Mayor of London said that “urgent action” was needed to give the iconic high street a “new lease of life”, after a shift to online shopping and the Covid-19 pandemic battered the road.
Under the proposal, a 0.7 mile (1.1km) stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch would see traffic banned, with the potential for further expansion into Tottenham Court Road in the future.
The busy street, which has become blighted with pickpockets and shoplifters, is currently bus, taxi, and cycle only from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, between Portman Street to Great Portland Street.
“Oxford Street was once the jewel in the crown of Britain’s retail sector, but there’s no doubt that it has suffered hugely over the last decade,” Khan said.
In 2018, Khan tried to stop vehicles going down the bustling street – which sees around half a million visitors everyday – however it was blocked by the then Conservative-run Westminster city council.
The bid has been backed by Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, who said pedestrianisation “will drive growth by creating new jobs, generating economic activity, and giving a much-needed boost to London’s night-time economy”.
As the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rayner’s approval is crucial to the traffic ban implementation. Khan needs her permission to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would provide planning powers and allow the mayor to overrule the council.
However, many have slammed the plans, saying that the lights from vehicles, as well as their presence alone, make people feel more at ease in the pickpocketing hotspot.
Recent viral videos have shown thieves on bikes snatching shopper’s phone out of their hands, before quickly fleeing the scene.
Steve McNamara, of the London Taxi Drivers’ Association, told The Telegraph: “My members have lost all confidence in the police.”
The Marylebone Association, which previously campaigned against pedestrianising the street, said Khan’s plans risk making the street even more dangerous.
“After dark, the street is very different to during the day, and having vehicles moving past makes it a lot more comfortable,” said a spokesman.
Other have warned that the plans could risk creating “a massive public protest area”, which could make the street even more dangerous.
More to follow…