Sadiq Khan confirms new car ban in London with vehicles set to be restricted from Oxford Street

Sir Sadiq Khan has approved plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street in a move that will ban vehicle traffic in one of the busiest parts of the capital.

The London Mayor has backed plans to shut roads for motor vehicles on Oxford Street in a bid to improve air quality and boost business in the area.

Following a consultation, Sir Sadiq Khan has given the green light to pedestrianise Europe's busiest shopping street.

More than 2,700 people responded to the consultation, with the majority of respondents being in favour of the proposals.

Commenting on the new rules, Sir Khan said: "I am delighted to be moving forward with my bold vision to transform Oxford Street into a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure and outdoor events.

“Following TfL's detailed consultation, I've today made the decision to move ahead with these exciting changes to the nation’s high street.

"We will outline more details in the coming days, as we continue building a better, more prosperous London for everyone."

Once the measures are in place, vehicles will be prevented from travelling on Oxford Street between Great Portland Street and Orchard Street.

Trials have taken place to test how the pedestrianisation could work, with 83 per cent of Oxford Street stores saying they would consider taking part in similar events in the future.

Several popular brands, including John Lewis, The Body Shop, Schuh, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball (MLB), held pop-ups on the road during the trial.

Almost 70 per cent of stores along Oxford Street reported similar or higher sales compared to a typical Sunday.

Alex Williams, chief customer and strategy officer at TfL, said it was "great to hear" that Sir Khan had approved the pedestrianisation plans.

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"We will work closely with Westminster Council in the coming months to implement changes to the roads around Oxford Street, and the mayor will provide more information on the next steps for this transformational scheme next week," Mr Williams said.

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