Oxford Street pedestrianisation to start in October
Westminster Council leader criticises Mayor of London's approach to environmental assessments.
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Transport for London (TfL) is preparing to start work on pedestrianising Oxford Street, with the first section of the road expected to close to all traffic by October. The decision to proceed without a full environmental impact assessment has drawn criticism from Westminster City Council.
Paul Swaddle, leader of Westminster City Council, has accused the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, of bypassing established procedures. The government confirmed on September 4 that the Oxford Street plans did not meet the legal threshold requiring a comprehensive environmental study. TfL stated that this ruling allows work to commence immediately.
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Criticism over assessment process
Mr Swaddle told BBC Radio London that major developments typically undergo environmental impact assessments and that the Mayor had 'shortcut that process' and 'cheated the system'. He added that while he was not predicting harm, it was important to examine and mitigate any impacts. He suggested that those advocating for pedestrianisation often lacked a deep understanding of the street's complexities.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London stated that the scheme was moving forward due to 'strong support from Londoners and businesses'. The spokesperson also confirmed that enabling works would begin imminently and that the Mayor would continue to collaborate with the council and other stakeholders.
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Consultation and authority changes
TfL took over as the highway authority for Oxford Street from Westminster City Council in September 2025. The pedestrianisation plans have been subject to public consultation. An initial consultation, running from February 28 to May 2, 2025, received over 6,000 responses. A subsequent consultation on detailed transport and highway changes, held between November 21, 2025, and January 16, 2026, gathered more than 2,700 responses. TfL indicated that these responses have informed traffic and bus planning.
The Oxford Street Development Corporation, whose board includes representatives from local authorities such as Mr Swaddle and Councillor Tim Barnes, held its first meeting on January 7. The Conservative party gained control of Westminster City Council in May, with the Oxford Street scheme being a significant issue during their election campaign.
Questions this report answers
+When will Oxford Street start to be pedestrianised?
Transport for London plans to begin enabling works imminently, with the first section of Oxford Street expected to close to traffic as early as October. This marks the start of the pedestrianisation scheme.
+Why is Westminster Council criticising the pedestrianisation plans?
Westminster City Council leader Paul Swaddle has accused the Mayor of London of 'cheating the system' by not requiring a full environmental impact assessment for the Oxford Street pedestrianisation. The government confirmed on September 4 that such an assessment was not legally required.
+Who is responsible for Oxford Street now?
Transport for London replaced Westminster City Council as the highway authority for Oxford Street in September 2025. TfL is now overseeing the pedestrianisation project and its implementation.
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