The consultation period on plans to transform London’s Oxford Street and the surrounding area into a traffic-free zone has been extended, after people requested more time to consider the proposals and submit their views.
The consultation, which began on November 6, was originally set to close on December 17.
However, Westminster City Council have agreed with the Mayor of London and Transport for London to extend the consultation until January 3.
“We have listened closely to our residents and others who have asked us to extend the consultation period and we are pleased to be able to do so, particularly over the holiday season where people may have more time,” Westminster City Council deputy leader Cr Robert Davis said.
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“We’ve made lots of information available to the public about our plans and we want to give everyone, particularly those who will be directly affected, the greatest opportunity to consider the detailed proposals and submit their views as we want to hear from as many people as possible.”
Davis added: “No final decisions will be made until we have considered every response we receive as part of the consultation and we would encourage everyone who feels they have a stake in Oxford Street and the surrounding district to have their say.”
The proposed plans seek to transform the retail precinct between Oxford Circus and Orchard Street in central London by creating a “pedestrian friendly” zone to accommodate the rising visitor numbers expected with once the new Elizabeth train line opens.
Wider pavements, new cycle routes, 25 new pedestrian crossings, additional taxi ranks, new seating and an 800m long art piece have also been proposed in the new plans.
The proposed improvements come amid widespread investment in London’s West End, including improvements to Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street tube stations in preparation for the competition of the Elizabeth Line in 2019.
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