The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street resulted in increased sales at most shops along the bustling thoroughfare, according to fresh research, with business leaders applauding moves to make car-free days more regular.
Oxford Street was shut to vehicles for eight hours on Sunday 21st September as part of a trial scheme for broader proposals to completely pedestrianise the retail strip, as reported by City AM.
Fresh research by the New West End Company (NWEC) revealed that more than two thirds of retailers experienced enhanced sales during the initiative compared with an ordinary Sunday.
Four out of five shops (83 per cent) signalled they would participate in upcoming traffic-free events, which are being developed by Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Visitor numbers also surged throughout the day as nearby underground stations Marble Arch, Bond Street and Oxford Circus witnessed passenger numbers climb by a quarter.
Mayor Sadiq Khan stated the car-free day on Oxford Street demonstrated “the huge appetite for a cleaner, more welcoming and more prosperous West End”.
“These fantastic statistics prove that when people are put at the heart of Oxford Street, without traffic, the area thrives and businesses benefit. That’s why I am moving forward with my proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street and revitalise the area as quickly as I can.
“By choosing to be imaginative and bold, we can deliver a better future for Oxford Street, a cleaner, traffic-free and truly accessible world-class public space.”
Oxford Street ‘reimagined’
Business leaders have also praised the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, with BusinessLDN chief executive John Dickie suggesting the car-free day demonstrated “huge potential” for retail and hospitality sectors.
“With one traffic-free day providing such a boost to local businesses, imagine what making the nation’s high street fit for the 2030s, not the 1930s, year round could do for London and the country’s economy. “.
“Close consultation with local landowners and businesses will be essential to the project’s success and we look forward to working with the Mayoral Development Corporation, the New West End Company and other stakeholders to restore Oxford Street to its former glory.”
Leaders from the New West End Company, which represents area businesses, also indicated that fresh survey data could help drive a “reimagined” Oxford Street.
Marble Arch station experienced the most significant weekly increase in passenger numbers.
Throughout the event, numerous companies organised activities for visitors and shoppers to participate in.
NBA and Topshop were amongst the brands that established interactive stands along the street.
Various schemes have been launched to boost visitor numbers to Oxford Street, which has faced criticism over the proliferation of sweet shops, mobile phone theft and poor air quality. In 2021, the local council launched the ‘Marble Arch Mound’ at a cost of £6m in an attempt to draw more tourists post-pandemic, however, it was met with negative reviews and significant costs to taxpayers.
