London Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled plans to pedestrianise the a section of London's Oxford Street.
Good news for shoppers, but what would Alan Partridge have to say about this, eh?
The new proposals will see east-west traffic removed from the area, with some north-south routes still open. The plans are now open to public consultation.
Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the plans today. Credit: PA
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The new plans are set to be in place by December next year, around the same time as the the Elizabeth line services are opened. The new services are expected to boost visitor numbers and if you've ever been down Oxford Street in December you can imagine what a frightening concept that is.
Mayor Khan said: "Oxford Street is world famous with millions of visitors every year, and in just over a year the iconic part of the street west of Oxford Circus could be transformed into a traffic-free pedestrian boulevard.
A general view of Oxford Street, featuring the happiest lady I've ever seen in London. Credit: PA
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"Whether you're a local resident, a business, or shop in some of the area's famous stores, our plans will make the area substantially cleaner and safer for everyone, creating one of the finest public spaces in the world."
He also gave assurance that the plans would be the 'very best they can be'. So, that's good.
The new measure would mean that the half-mile between Oxford Circus and Orchard street would be free of traffic, giving people more room to move.
The number of buses operating om Oxford Street has been gradually reduced by Transport for London since last summer. And new, extended taxi ranks will be made nearby so that shoppers can still get a black cab if they need to.
Cyclists won't be able to travel through the area on their bikes, but there will be a public consultation held regarding new cycle routes next summer.
Credit: PA
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There's even talk of a piece of public art to run the length of the new pedestrianised area. Fancy.
Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of the New West End Company, which promotes the area's businesses, said: "Removing the wall of red buses from Oxford Street will reduce congestion and improve air quality."
Source: The Independent
Featured Image Credit: PA