Plans to pedestrianise part of Oxford Street, W1, have won support from almost half the respondents to the latest Transport for London consultation.
More than 14,300 responses were made through the TfL website, with 48% supporting the move to pedestrianise the area between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus by December.
A further 16% supported the proposal, but flagged issues including traffic and air quality on residential roads, provision of a safe cycle route through the wider area, management of public space, and accessibility..
Overall, the latest consultation received 22,000 responses.
TfL and Westminster City council will review the feedback before proceeding further with the project which aims to address issues of road safety and poor air quality on one of the capital’s busiest shopping streets, which is expected to see a 40% increase to its 500,000 daily visitors once Crossrail opens later this year.
TfL director city planning Alex Williams said: “The introduction of the Elizabeth line later this year will significantly increase the number of people walking along Oxford Street and this creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the area into an unrivalled place to live, visit and work.
“The results of this consultation show that there is a strong desire to improve the West End and make Oxford Street more pedestrian focused. All points raised in the consultation are being considered and we continue to work with Westminster City Council ahead of a final decision on the scheme later this year.”
TfL and Westminster City council are also developing proposals for a new east-west cycle route to the north of Oxford Street.
To send feedback, e-mail Louise.Dransfield@egi.co.uk or tweet @DransfieldL or @estatesgazette
