00:00We've consulted on a number of occasions. In the past, more than 60% of residents have supported plans to pedestrianise the street.
00:07On Sunday, Oxford Street was pedestrianised for one day in a high-profile event supposed to showcase Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan's pedestrianisation plan.
00:21The road space was used to accommodate activities and entertainment, such as live music performances, art installations, food and drink stands, and a literary festival.
00:36Sir Sadiq wants to permanently ban vehicles from a 0.7-mile stretch on Oxford Street between Oxford Circus and here at Marble Arch,
00:45with the potential for further changes towards Tottenham Court.
00:52Detailed proposals for traffic under the pedestrianisation plan are expected to be consulted on later this year.
01:00The streets has faced decline over the last few years and has also been subject to some controversy,
01:07including that notorious American candy store scandal a few years ago.
01:13But Oxford Street remains one of the world's busiest shopping areas, with around half a million visitors each day.
01:22A previous attempt by Sir Sadiq to pedestrianise part of Oxford Street was blocked by then-subs of Grand Westminster City Council in 2018.
01:35His latest proposals depend on obtaining permission from the government to establish a new mayoral development corporation,
01:44corporation which would provide planning powers.
01:48The aim is for this to be created by start next year.
01:53Earlier this year, Sir Sadiq's office said two-thirds, 66 per cent, of respondents to a consultation support the pedestrianisation plan.
02:03A separate YouGov survey conducted in September of 2024 indicates that 63 per cent of Londoners are in favour of the project.
02:15Most recently, more than 70 per cent of those who responded support our plans.
02:19We're going to carry on, not just working with residents and the council, work with retailers, landowners and others to make sure we can return this street to its previous glory.
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