Anti-terror gates on Oxford Street will prevent cyclists riding through Sadiq Khan's 'pedestrian plaza'

"This will close almost a mile of Oxford Street to all traffic including buses, taxis, cyclists and pedicabs between Orchard Street, immediately to the west of Selfridges, and Great Portland Street, to the east of Ikea. Sir Sadiq has made clear that cyclists will not be permitted to ride through the pedestrianised area, which he hopes will be packed with thousands of shoppers and tourists."

"One person with detailed knowledge of the Oxford Street scheme said TfL was drawing up plans to install hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) barriers to deter terrorists from using vehicles to plough into pedestrians. These barriers – likely to be waist-height horizontal gates – would also inhibit people trying to ride a bike through the area, The Standard was told."

"Vehicles would still be able to cross Oxford Street on a north-south basis, including on Regent Street, meaning that gates or barriers would be required at multiple areas throughout the pedestrian area. Gates could be used as an interim or permanent solution, and would enable 24-hour emergency access to be maintained."

Oxford Street is set to close almost a mile to all traffic, including buses, taxis, cyclists, and pedicabs, between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. Mayor Sadiq Khan has stated that cyclists will not be permitted in the pedestrianised area, which is intended to accommodate thousands of shoppers and tourists. Transport for London is planning to install hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, likely waist-height horizontal gates, to prevent terrorist attacks using vehicles. These barriers will also inhibit cyclists from riding through. Westminster council confirmed recommending comprehensive hostile vehicle mitigation design. Vehicles can still cross Oxford Street on a north-south basis, requiring gates at multiple locations. Pop-up bollards may also be installed. Some sources indicate the anti-terror measures may not effectively prevent determined cyclists from entering the area.

Read at www.standard.co.uk