Sadiq Khan’s plan to ban traffic from part of London’s most popular shopping area sparked furious backlash from some of the city’s local residents.
A scheme announced by the Mayor of London could see a 0.7-mile stretch of Oxford Street pedestrianised with the aim of boosting the experience of shoppers, workers, residents and tourists.
GB News took to the streets of the capital to gauge the sentiment towards the potential ban which would build on current restrictions which limits vehicle access – apart from buses and taxis – to parts of Oxford Street from 7am to 7pm, except on Sundays.
“Where’s all the traffic going to go? Down Regent Street, isn’t it?”, one local cabbie asked.
Londoners are split on Sadiq Khan’s plan for Oxford Street
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“It’s going to be a nightmare. We need to get rid of him [Sadiq Khan] anyway.”
Another local resident was more receptive to the proposals, saying: “I think it’s going to be a good thing.
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Sadiq Khan plans to pedestrianise London’s Oxford StreetPA“It means people will do more exercise and there’ll be less pollution.”
Another cabbie said Khan was putting plans in place with the aim of making London a more environmentally friendly city, but is concerned it will have the opposite effect.
“Traffic is bad as it is now, but you’re just going to create even more traffic”, he said.
“I thought he was meant to be environmentally friendly. This is not environmentally friendly, it’s just plain stupid.”
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One local didn’t hide their appreciation of Sadiq Khan, saying: “Everything he does is perfect.”
Another said Oxford Street is “difficult to navigate” and the mayor’s plan to impose new restrictions would be a welcome addition.
“More foot traffic down the road will hopefully be better for businesses”, another Londoner added.
But this sentiment was not shared by another, who felt businesses are in for a blow.
A London cabbie said the plan would be the death knell for shops on Oxford Street
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“If he wants all the shops to close down, that’s a good idea”, he said.
“If he wants it to be vibrant and prosperous, keep it open.”
“Oxford Street was once the jewel in the crown of Britain’s retail sector, but there’s no doubt that it has suffered hugely over the last decade,” Khan said.
“Urgent action is needed to give the nation’s most famous high street a new lease of life.
“I am excited to be working with the new government, and local retailers and businesses, on these plans that will help to restore this famous part of the capital to its former glory, while creating new jobs and economic prosperity for the capital and the country.”
The new regulations are set to go ahead if Khan is able to obtain permission from housing secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.