Westminster City Council has criticised Transport for London over changes linked to the Oxford Street pedestrianisation scheme, accusing City Hall of pushing ahead without proper consultation. Council leader Paul Swaddle said the process was rushed and failed to take enough account of local businesses, residents and practical concerns such as access and safety. The dispute highlights Westminster Conservatives’ continued opposition to Sadiq Khan’s plans for Oxford Street and their call for a more realistic approach.
The article below by Ben Lynch at the Local Democracy Reporting Service was published originally on BBC News, and you can read it here.
Council fury over TfL's Oxford Street 'stitch-up'
Westminster City Council has asked Transport for London (TfL) to halt changes to bus stops on Oxford Street that are being implemented as part of the mayor's plan to make the thoroughfare pedestrian-only.
Council leader Paul Swaddle accused TfL of "a stitch-up, plain and simple" after the measures were advertised the day after the May local elections, when all eyes were on the results.
He said the mayor and TfL
"tried to force through permanent changes to the most famous shopping street in the world, the day after an election, in a consultation so quiet that the people whose livelihoods depend on the street never even knew it was happening.
"That's not how you treat the nation's high street."
The transport authority published traffic orders affecting more than 20 streets with the aim of pedestrianising the street later this year.
TfL said the orders included changes to bus stands and other infrastructure "to ensure the traffic network can continue to operate effectively once the pedestrianisation has been rolled out".
The pedestrianisation plan was approved only after Sir Sadiq Khan, following the council's rejection of the proposals, obtained government permission to assume planning powers.
The western stretch of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street will be closed to private vehicles, buses, taxis, cycles, scooters and pedicabs.
Westminster does not have the power to reject TfL's traffic orders.
A spokesperson for TfL said it followed the standard process for making traffic orders which included "publishing a notice and sending emails to statutory consultees such as Westminster City Council".
Sir Sadiq has claimed his plans will help boost the local economy and rejuvenate the area.
The £150m scheme has come in for criticism over fears about the impact on crime, accessibility and traffic.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the council was expecting more notifications as the scheme progresses, providing future opportunities to respond.
