The London Assembly’s transport committee is to investigate possible solutions to tackle the “chronic” congestion on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street, which collectively form the capital’s top retail destination with more than five million visitors a week.
Led by Victoria Borwick AM, the investigation will meet with key stakeholders, andconduct site visits to ascertain the likely likely effectiveness of current plans to reduce congestion on the streets and to consider if ay further measures are needed.
Launching the investigation, Borwick said: “The wall of metal that runs through Oxford Street is a nightmare for pedestrians and people trying to travel in and through this part of London. As many as 187 buses alone travel through Oxford Street each hour during peak times so I am keen to investigate any way this might be reduced. Oxford Street’s congestion is a problem recognised by retailers, Westminster council, Transport for London and the five million people who visit the Oxford Street area every week.
“Traffic crawling bumper to bumper along these routes has become an all too familiar frustration for shoppers and people trying to make the most of this vibrant London landmark. Bus journey times from Marble Arch to Oxford Circus are reported to be as high as 20 minutes to cover just under three quarters of a mile. ”It’s time to take a serious look at the various proposals that have been put forward and identify the best ways to bring about a noticeable improvement.”
Traffic levels in the area are likely to be affected by construction work on Crossrail, which could see parts of Oxford Street near Tottenham Court Road tube station closed for long periods.
