Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM said:
“We note Westminster Council’s decision to take the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street ‘off the table for good’ and urge the Mayor to find a way to make it work, taking on board the concerns raised during the consultation process.
“This was one of the Mayor’s flagship commitments and he needs to think again about how to make it happen.
“The Committee believes the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street could transform the area for the better, but it must be done carefully, taking into account the needs of residents, people with disabilities and cyclists.
“It was encouraging to hear Westminster Council say 'doing nothing to improve the area is not an option either, if we are to maximise the potential benefits from the opening of the Elizabeth Line’.
This shows that the door is not shut.
“The Mayor needs to negotiate a solution for all.
“Any changes to Oxford Street will affect a vast number of Londoners and visitors, so we must get it right. Traffic and air quality, provision of a safe cycle route, management of the public space and accessibility all need careful consideration.
“TfL has its work cut out addressing these issues, which clearly concern a considerable number of people.
“The Mayor and Westminster Council need to work together to agree a scheme that works for everyone using Oxford Street and the surrounding area.
“We would like to extend an invitation to Westminster City Council to talk to the Transport Committee and discuss their concerns.”
Notes to editors
- Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, Chair of the Transport Committee, is available for interview – see contact details below.
- London Assembly Transport Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 020 7983 4228. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.