Westminster Council demands Oxford Street impact study
The council is concerned about displaced traffic affecting surrounding neighbourhoods and residents' health.
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Westminster City Council has formally requested a full environmental impact assessment for the proposed pedestrianisation of Oxford Street. The council's leadership is concerned that redirecting traffic from the flagship shopping street will negatively affect surrounding neighbourhoods, including impacts on air quality, noise levels, and the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
The plans, approved earlier this year by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, aim to make Oxford Street traffic-free between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. Transport for London (TfL) has submitted an environmental impact assessment screening opinion to the government and is awaiting a decision on whether a more comprehensive study is necessary. This decision will influence the timeline for the transformation works.
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Concerns over displaced traffic
Tim Barnes, deputy leader of Westminster City Council, stated that the request for a detailed study is not intended to halt the pedestrianisation but to ensure the final scheme is as effective as possible. He expressed concerns that rerouting buses and taxis could lead to increased pollution and safety issues on adjacent streets. "We just want to understand what the impact of those might be, to be able to compensate for those downsides," Mr Barnes told BBC Radio London.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London's office said City Hall is adhering to all required legal procedures and will continue to collaborate with the council and other stakeholders. The spokesperson added that the aim is to create a "vibrant, world-class, accessible destination" for the street.
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Shift in planning authority
The pedestrianisation plans have been a point of contention between the Mayor's office and Westminster City Council for several years. This dynamic has shifted following recent local elections, which saw the Conservative party regain control of the council. However, the council no longer holds direct planning authority over Oxford Street. Last year, the government transferred these planning functions to the Oxford Street Development Corporation.
Enabling works for the pedestrianisation have been undertaken this summer, with the first section of the street intended to become traffic-free as early as October. The council's current stance is to ensure any negative consequences of the scheme on surrounding areas are fully understood and mitigated.
Questions this report answers
+Why is Westminster City Council requesting an environmental impact assessment?
The council wants a detailed study to understand how redirecting traffic from Oxford Street will affect air quality, noise levels, and safety in neighbouring areas. They aim to ensure any negative impacts are identified and addressed.
+What is Transport for London waiting for?
Transport for London is awaiting a decision from the government regarding the necessity of a full environmental impact assessment for the Oxford Street pedestrianisation. This decision will influence when the planned transformation works can proceed.
+Who is now responsible for planning decisions on Oxford Street?
The planning functions for Oxford Street have recently been transferred to the Oxford Street Development Corporation. This means Westminster City Council no longer holds direct planning authority over the street.
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