According to an article by The Associated Press on October 26, starting from that day, cars, buses, and bicycles will be prohibited from Oxford Street in London. British authorities are trying to revitalize this major shopping street in London. Previously, the continuous emergence of souvenir shops and candy stores has weakened the attraction of this area as a core spot of British consumer culture.
From now on, traffic will be prohibited on the nearly one-mile (about 1.6 kilometers) section of Oxford Street between Ochad Street and Great Portland Street. Vehicles will be diverted to surrounding roads. This is the first step in renovating this famous shopping district. The renovation plan also includes planting trees, installing seats, and creating two new public squares.
Oxford Street still attracts about 500,000 visitors every day. Shoppers move between stores such as Selfridges & Co., Zara, and John Lewis.
But London city government officials said that converting this street into a pedestrian street would place it "amongst the ranks of top global shopping destinations like Times Square, Champs-Élysées, and Lincoln Road."
London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the BBC: "This is a significant day for London and Oxford Street. It is a new era."
Local officials began discussing the idea of turning Oxford Street into a pedestrian street over a decade ago. In the past two years, with the establishment of the Oxford Street Development Company by the mayor’s office to promote the project, momentum has gradually increased. However, local residents oppose this plan, complaining that diverting vehicles from Oxford Street would cause traffic congestion in their community.
Public consultations show that the cancellation of vehicle traffic will attract new businesses and tourists to Oxford Street, making it a “iconic location”. The project will also benefit from the Elizabeth Line, which runs through the city center and has a station at Oxford Street.
On the 26th, London Mayor Khan told reporters on Oxford Street that the next step of the renovation project will begin at the beginning of the new year. Municipal officials will refine the plan based on feedback from visitors. He said, “Before Christmas, I hope people will come here to shop and enjoy this experience.”
