Transport for London (TfL) will officially become the highway authority for Oxford Street this Saturday (20 September), as the Mayor of London pushes forward with plans to pedestrianise the famous shopping street.
The change comes after discussions between Westminster City Council and the Greater London Authority. TfL will now be responsible for highway maintenance, roadworks permits and coordination along Oxford Street, while Westminster City Council will continue to handle street cleaning and refuse collection.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I have been working closely with Westminster City Council and I am delighted the process to hand over control of the nation’s high street, Oxford Street has been completed, ensuring that Transport for London will become the highway authority for the road from this Saturday, 20 September.
“I have signed a Mayoral Decision which has allowed orders to be made confirming the redesignation of the road. This is a significant step forward on my pledge to pedestrianise the road and unlock Oxford Street’s true potential to deliver a world-class, accessible, clean street for everyone as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
Claire Mann, Chief Operating Officer at TfL, said: “Oxford Street is an internationally iconic location, and we are pleased we will be the highway authority for it. We will continue working closely with Westminster City Council and the Mayor of London to support visitors, as well as local residents and businesses, while also engaging with stakeholders on wider proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street in the future, which will be consulted on later this year.”
Cllr Max Sullivan, Westminster City Council’s Cabinet Member for Streets, added: “While Transport for London will become the highway authority for Oxford Street, Westminster City Council remain committed to working with the Mayor to listen and act on the knowledge of local residents and businesses. We want to build on our successes – in tackling rogue trading candy shops and attracting high quality retailers like IKEA and HMV. Westminster Council will work pragmatically, as our residents expect us to, with TfL and the new Mayoral Development Corporation to ensure that the future of Oxford Street is bright. We need Oxford Street to work for everyone — locals, Londoners, and the world.”
There will be no changes to vehicle access for now, but TfL said businesses and residents can check its website for permits and the latest updates.
The move is part of wider regeneration plans. Earlier this year, a consultation found strong support for the Mayor’s proposals to pedestrianise part of Oxford Street, with almost seven in ten respondents backing the idea.
TfL is expected to hold further consultations later this year on detailed pedestrianisation plans for the section of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.
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