London’s mayor has resurrected plans to ban traffic from part of Oxford Street.

Sadiq Khan’s proposals, recently submitted to Westminster City Council, include pedestrianising the stretch between Marble Arch and Oxford Circus, with potential restrictions introduced further east towards Tottenham Court Road.

This follows the Labour mayor’s previous attempt to pedestrianise part of the world-famous shopping street in 2018, which was blocked by the then-Conservative local authority.

The new plans depend on the government awarding the mayor new planning powers.

Oxford Street is one of the world’s busiest shopping areas, with about half a million visitors on average every day.

Khan said he believed the plans would help revive the area, which has suffered the effects of big-name shop closures in recent years such as Debenhams and House of Fraser.

“Oxford Street was once the jewel in the crown of Britain’s retail sector, but there’s no doubt it has suffered hugely over the last decade,” he said.

“Urgent action is needed to give the nation’s most famous High Street a new lease of life.”

The mayor said he was working with the new Labour government, retailers and businesses to restore the street to its “former glory”.

The project is expected to cost about £150m, with the mayor’s office hoping it could be paid for by a combination of local businesses, new revenue streams and private funders.

Though it has previously been the role of the local authority to give planning permission for such schemes, Khan is to ask the government for greater powers, which would mean permission from Westminster City Council would not be required.

Khan said he was working with ministers to set up a Mayoral Development Corporation, which would give him the powers to deliver such a scheme.

The government currently supports the plans, Khan said.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination and we want it to stay that way.

“By working with the mayor and local leaders, we can ensure it gets the boost it needs.”

She added the plan would create jobs and boost the area’s night-time economy.

Westminster City Council said it had its own “shovel ready” plans for developing the street, which were popular with the community.

These included wider footpaths, more seating and trees being planted – but stopped short of introducing traffic restrictions.

The council’s chief executive Stuart Love said: “The latest pedestrianisation proposal from the mayor of London was only shared with us last Thursday.

“It will be important to receive further details about what is planned, including how long it could take to be delivered and how the concerns of local residents and users of the street will be addressed.

“We will want to know how they will benefit from any proposals, particularly given the practical challenges pedestrianisation may have for the wider area.”

He added: “The council intends to work constructively with the mayor and the government to ensure the best outcomes for local communities, businesses and London.”