Transport operators fear that Transport for London’s detailed proposal to pedestrianise a major section of Oxford Street could cause major problems for taxi and private hire operators working in the centre of the capital.
The plan envisages closing off the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. Under the plan, taxis, private hire vehicles, buses, cycles and scooters would all be excluded from the zone, with access limited to emergency services at all times and to servicing vehicles only between midnight and 7am, says Professional Driver.
TfL said the design aimed to maintain traffic crossing points at several junctions and introduce wider pedestrian crossings, but the core east to west flow for taxis would be removed entirely. Drivers would have to use diversion routes already commonly used during daytime restrictions.
For licensed taxis, TfL intends to position ranks and passenger drop off points as close as possible to the edge of the pedestrian zone. Discussions are underway with Westminster City Council about whether more kerbside space can be reassigned to ranks on surrounding streets.
Bus routes currently using Oxford Street would be moved north to Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place. Cycling would also be excluded from the pedestrian zone, with TfL proposing to work with Westminster on alternative corridors.
(Picture: Mayor of London)
