Email TFL to help pedestrianise Oxford Street

We need your help to transform Oxford Street into a world class destination – a great place to walk and spend time. 

Right now, Oxford Street is seriously congested, highly polluted and dangerously overcrowded, making it a no-go area for many.

People visiting, working and living in the area deserve to be able to walk freely, safely, breathe fresh air and have a relaxed shopping experience on the UK’s most iconic street.

The status quo is not good enough - once a week a pedestrian is involved in a collision and air pollution is 4 times the legal limit. With an additional 150,000 expected in the area everyday when Crossrail opens in 2018 we need to transform Oxford Street into a new world-leading public space for people.

We were delighted when the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan promised to pedestrianise the street...But opposition remains and we need to make sure that change really does happen.

Transport for London and Westminster City Council are consulting on the Oxford Street consultation now.  Your response will help secure a more ambitious final transformation and make sure the voice of people walking is heard.

Please join Living Streets and respond to the Oxford Street consultation now.

Signing this means you are sending an email directly to TFL

Transformation of Oxford Street consultation


Question 1 – Do you support these proposals?


Yes. I support the transformation of Oxford Street into a safe and attractive pedestrian environment. I support the Mayor of London’s manifesto commitment “to turn one of the world’s most polluted streets into one of the world’s finest public spaces – a tree-lined avenue from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch” and Living Streets’ seven principles that should underpin the transformation:



  1.      Make Oxford Street a world-class visitor and business destination - a great place to be and walk

  2.      Accessible to all, regardless of age or disability

  3.      A safe environment, day and night

  4.      Removal of all motor traffic with access to buses and taxis a short walk away

  5.      Provision of a parallel high quality east-west cycle route

  6.      Careful consideration of the impact on the wider West End

  7.      Consolidated deliveries limited to off peak times


Question 2 – Comments on challenges


Oxford Street is a dangerous, overcrowded and unpleasant location for everyone, including people arriving at London Underground stations and waiting for/getting off buses. Once a week a pedestrian is involved in a collision on Oxford Street. The introduction of the Crossrail Elizabeth line will add to these figures. Currently Oxford Street is a no-go area for many. Disabled and older people find it very challenging to use because it is so crowded. Although benefiting from recent improvements, the quality of the public realm and pavements is not adequate for the level or diversity of demand to use the space.


Despite restrictions on the types of and times vehicles can access Oxford Street, the road remains heavily congested. Taxis and private hire vehicles should be removed with taxi ranks and access provided as near as is practicable. In order for the transformation to be successful, all vehicular traffic, including buses and taxis must be removed from the street. Deliveries should be consolidated and limited to off peak times. There is a clear need for a high quality east-west cycle route through the area. High volumes of pedestrians would be expected on Oxford Street, so it would be sensible to provide a parallel east-west cycle route nearby so that conflict between people walking and cycling is minimised, as well as convenient cycle parking throughout the area.


Nearly 9,500 people die early each year in London due to long-term exposure to air pollution. Oxford Street exceeds the annual limit for nitrogen dioxide within a few days of the start of each year. The removal of all motor traffic, including taxis and buses, with careful selection of new routes, can contribute to reducing the level of air pollution on Oxford Street and the wider West End.


Question 3 – Comments on look and feel


The transformation of Oxford Street into a safe and attractive pedestrian environment is an opportunity to reimagine it as a destination place and not merely a thoroughfare. The design must be accessible to all, regardless of age or disability. This can be achieved by levelling the surface, reallocating space away from vehicles to pedestrians and reducing street furniture. The design should include the opportunity to stop, sit and linger. There should be places created with shade and shelter. Any locations where there could be the potential for conflict between pedestrians and vehicles should be subject to careful attention. Oxford Street should become a first-class public space.
Sign Petition
Sign Petition
You have JavaScript disabled. Without it, our site might not function properly.

Privacy Policy

By signing, you accept Care2's Terms of Service.
You can unsub at any time here.

Having problems signing this? Let us know.