The proposed pedestrianisation of Oxford Street West represents one of the most significant changes to London’s transport and public realm in a generation. The London Region Committee has responded to Transport for London’s consultation to support the ambition of a more people-focused street, while setting out the practical considerations required to ensure the scheme succeeds operationally as well as aesthetically.

Oxford Street has always been more than a shopping destination. For over a century it has functioned as a working street: carrying some of London’s busiest bus routes, accommodating taxis, enabling deliveries and waste collections, and supporting the daily movement of workers, visitors and residents. CILT’s response recognises the clear benefits of pedestrianisation in reducing crowding, improving safety and enhancing the overall experience for pedestrians. However, it also emphasises that these benefits will only be realised if the supporting transport and logistics systems are carefully planned and managed.

A key theme of the CILT response is accessibility. Buses have long been the most accessible form of transport on Oxford Street, particularly for disabled people, older users and those carrying shopping. With relatively long walking distances to Underground and Elizabeth line stations, the bus remains a lifeline. CILT has therefore urged TfL to examine carefully the impacts of diverting bus routes, drawing on lessons from previous bus rationalisation in the West End, where reduced accessibility and unexpected shifts to taxis or private hire vehicles have sometimes increased congestion rather than reduced it.

Servicing, deliveries and waste also feature prominently. Retailers on Oxford Street rely on early-morning deliveries, often extending beyond the very early hours, particularly for fresh food and fast-moving consumer goods. Evening and night-time waste collections are similarly essential. CILT supports consolidation and zero-emission freight, but stresses that access windows must reflect real operational needs to avoid displacement onto unsuitable surrounding streets.

The response also highlights risks associated with traffic displacement. Oxford Street has historically accommodated buses and heavy vehicles that are less suited to narrower local roads. Re-routing HGVs and buses onto constrained streets can create safety, congestion and environmental problems for those who live and work nearby.

Finally, CILT has encouraged a phased, adaptive approach, with pilots, monitoring and the flexibility to adjust the scheme as impacts become clearer. Oxford Street’s transformation offers a rare opportunity to modernise a historic corridor, but success will depend on respecting how the street has always worked, while carefully shaping how it must function in the future.