London mayor says traffic ban trial is start of fightback to rescue Oxford Street'

"Oxford Street had been wonderful in the past. But the reality is, it has been in decline for some time, he said. I'd call it managed decline. You've seen a situation where more and more people are shopping online or going to out-of-town centres, shopping centres, high-profile shops have left Oxford Street, and the pandemic was a real body blow to this street."

"Today is a glimpse to what the future could be like, where this is a place where people can walk. It increases footfall. It increases spend, (it will be a) great place to shop, to do leisure, but also have outdoor events. (Today) will go down in history, in my view, as the day the fightback began to rescue this street."

A one-day trial closed a half-mile stretch of Oxford Street from Oxford Circus to Orchard Street between noon and 8pm to increase pedestrian access and activity. The event, This is Oxford Street, showcased potential benefits including higher footfall, increased spending, leisure uses and outdoor events. Proposals aim to pedestrianise a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch with possible further changes toward Tottenham Court Road and consultations later this year. Declining retail, online shopping, out-of-town centres and the pandemic contributed to reduced footfall and shop departures. Authorities plan coordinated work with residents, councils, retailers and landowners to restore the street.

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