London‘s Oxford Street will be closed to cars, Sadiq Khan has confirmed as he insists the public backs his £150million scheme – despite fears the shopping thoroughfare will become a crime hotspot.

The controversial Mayor – whose knighthood last week sparked fury across the city – vowed to carry out the pedestrianisation scheme ‘as quickly as possible’.

Plans for the world-famous high street would see traffic completely banned from the 0.7 mile stretch, which hosts around half a million visitors every day and has an estimated annual contribution of £25billion to London’s economy.

Mr Khan claims 70 per cent of those polled backed the drastic transformation – with his office saying it had received ‘overwhelming public and business support’.

He claims the changes will establish the road as a ‘global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events’ while Angela Rayner hailed the ‘bold proposals’ as an ‘ambitious vision’.

But the plan has been blasted by industry leaders who called for ‘strong safety measures’ amid fears it could spark a rise in crimes such as shoplifting and pickpocketing.

Londoners called for more ‘adequate policing’ and improved public transport access, with evening revelers and particularly women possibly more at risk from no passing traffic – given regular buses and taxis can act as a deterrent to criminal activity. 

Mr Khan, said: ‘Oxford Street has suffered over many years so urgent action is needed to give our nation’s high street a new lease of life. It’s clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I’m pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.

These artist’s impression representative of the type of initial scheme that could be implemented – rather than being the actual plans for the redevelopment

Artist’s impression of a pedestrianised Oxford Street from plans released in 2017 

Plans for the world-famous high street would see traffic completely banned from the 0.7 mile stretch (pictured) which hosts around half a million visitors every day and has an estimated annual contribution of £25billion to London’s economy

‘We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.

‘Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect – but transforming Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.’

Mr Khan’s plans are set to ban vehicles from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with the potential for further changes towards Tottenham Court Road.

Oxford Street has suffered from big name exits in recent years, leaving boarded-up storefronts and a proliferation of tacky US-style sweet shops.

The ‘traffic-free pedestrianised avenue’ would bring it in line with Times Square in New York, the Champs-Elysees in Paris and Barcelona’s Las Ramblas.

A consultation reaching 6,642 people found than 63 per cent of Londoners supported the plans, rising to 72 per cent among people who had visited Oxford street in the last year.

Iconic brands have also backed the plans as a bid to reach a ‘brighter future’ for the street.

Selfridges executive director, Meave Wall, said: ‘Selfridges has thrived on Oxford Street for well over 100 years, and we’re hugely energised by the renewed commitment to make this area more enticing and attractive for locals and visitors from around the world. 

Mr Khan’s plans are set to pedestrianise a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with the potential for further changes towards Tottenham Court Road

An artist’s impression of a night-time view of Oxford Street if it were to be pedestrianised 

‘The community’s support and enthusiasm is really encouraging, and we are excited to play our part in shaping a brighter future for this iconic shopping and entertainment hub.’

John Lewis managing director, Peter Ruis, added: ‘We welcome the Mayor’s plans for the regeneration and pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, where John Lewis has been a key retailer for over 160 years. 

‘We continue to invest significantly in our Oxford Street store – including a new beauty hall, a Waterstones bookshop and the new Jamie Oliver Cookery School – and believe pedestrianisation will create a vibrant, thriving shopping environment enhancing the area’s appeal as a top retail destination.’ 

And IKEA’s UK CEO, Peter Jekelby, said: ‘The plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street is a positive step, which we believe will create a more welcoming and accessible space – bringing wide-ranging benefits to visitors, shoppers, businesses and the wider community.’

A previous attempt by Mr Khan to ban traffic from the road was blocked by then-Conservative run Westminster City Council in 2018 amid opposition from locals who feared traffic gridlock on the surrounding streets. 

Restrictions already in place mean between 7am and 7pm vehicular access to parts of Oxford Street is limited to taxis and buses, except on Sundays.

But the redevelopment is set to require 16 bus routes to be removed or diverted – including the 98 and 390 which run the full length of Oxford Street. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, said: ‘We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that’s why we welcome the Mayor of London’s bold proposals to achieve that.

Christmas shoppers walk along the pavement on a busy Oxford Street on December 23, 2023

‘We will support the Mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people, and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital in line with our Plan for Change.’

After the plans were first announced Steve McNamara, general secretary of the London Taxi Drivers’ Association, raised concerns about crime, saying his members had ‘lost all confidence’ in the police’s ability to keep Oxford Street safe.

He told the Daily Telegraph: ‘Of course, that’s compounded by the level of street crime that they witness on a daily basis.

‘The big thing that our members witness on a daily basis is phone snatches in London. And so they’re thinking, well, what’s the point in me ringing up and reporting that when nobody’s doing anything about it?’

Julie Redmond from the Marylebone Association group warned pedestrianising Oxford Street would have ‘several negative impacts on residents in the surrounding areas’.

She told of an ‘increase in traffic congestion on nearby residential streets, more noise and air pollution in quieter areas, affecting the quality of life for those living there’.

Ms Redmond added that the ‘influx of more visitors and shoppers will lead to overcrowding and more crime’, while ‘elderly residents, people with disabilities and families will also face reduced access to their homes’.

The Oxford Street redevelopment is set to require 16 bus routes to be removed or diverted

Taxis, buses and cyclists travel along Oxford Street today after the proposals were unveiled

Transport for London’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, Alex Williams, said: ‘Oxford Street is an iconic location in London – well served by the Tube, Elizabeth line and local bus services – and this consultation shows that there is a clear desire to improve access to the shops, businesses and attractions within the area.

‘We will now support the development of detailed traffic and highways plans to pedestrianise the section of road between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, which will be consulted on later this year.’

New West End Company CEO, Dee Corsi, who represents 600 West End businesses, said: ‘Today’s consultation results are an important step forward in the transformation of the nation’s high street – and an acknowledgement of the important economic, cultural and community role it plays for Londoners and the UK as a whole.’

UK Hospitality chief executive, Kate Nicholls, added: ‘Oxford Street’s potential to establish itself as a world-leading destination for hospitality, leisure and tourism is enormous, and the Mayor’s plans for regeneration can make it a reality. I’m delighted the project will be going ahead, with the support of Londoners, businesses and the public.’

The dramatic announcement comes just days after Mr Khan was knighted at Buckingham Palace, saying the monarch was ‘chuffed’ to bestow it.

But the Tories have condemned the award claiming that Sir Sadiq has not managed to get a grip on violent crime in the capital. 

Sir Sadiq has been Mayor since 2016, becoming the first person to win a third term in the role. 

The knighthood for political and public service was announced in the New Year Honours, but was only formally bestowed by the King last week.

The dramatic announcement comes just days after Mr Khan was knighted at Buckingham Palace, saying the monarch was ‘chuffed’ to bestow it

The Tories have condemned the award claiming that Sir Sadiq has not managed to get a grip on violent crime in the capital

Afterwards, Sir Sadiq posted on Facebook: ‘The London promise: if you work hard, and get a helping hand, you can achieve anything.

‘Immensely proud to receive a knighthood from His Majesty The King today. Growing up on a council estate in Tooting, I never could have imagined that I’d one day receive this great honour while serving as the Mayor of London.

‘It’s a truly humbling moment for myself and my family, and one that I hope inspires others to believe in the incredible opportunities that our great capital offers.

‘I’ll forever be honoured to serve the city that I love – and will continue to do all I can to build a fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous London for everyone.’