Westminster City Council has called on Transport for London (TfL) to halt traffic orders that would introduce permanent changes to Oxford Street, following accusations of a fraudulent consultation process. The council’s leader, Councillor Paul Swaddle, condemned the timing of the orders, which were published the day after the May elections, when public attention was diverted to election results.
Background of the Dispute
TfL issued traffic orders affecting over 20 streets as part of plans to pedestrianise the iconic shopping destination later this year. Westminster Council, though lacking power to approve or reject the orders, insists it should have been properly consulted alongside businesses and residents. Councillor Swaddle labeled the process a “stitch-up,” accusing Mayor Sadiq Khan and TfL of forcing through permanent changes without adequate public engagement.
Council’s Demands
The council is demanding TfL scrap the current orders and restart the consultation transparently. Councillor Tim Barnes, Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, raised concerns about traffic diversion, servicing of the shopping street, and disabled access, claiming TfL has not provided clear answers. The council expects further notifications as the scheme progresses, allowing future responses.
TfL’s Response
A TfL spokesperson defended the process, stating that the statutory traffic order procedure was followed, including publishing a notice and emailing statutory consultees like Westminster Council. They noted two extensive public consultations in 2025 and 2026 on the pedestrianisation principle and traffic diversions. Work continues, with further works expected in coming months.
Mayor’s Position
Mayor Sadiq Khan’s £150 million pedestrianisation plan, overseen by a Mayoral Development Corporation, aims to boost the local economy and revive the area. A City Hall spokesperson cited strong support from Londoners and businesses, with the first traffic-free section hoped for by summer’s end. Critics, however, fear negative impacts on crime, accessibility, and traffic.
Political Reactions
The Conservative-led council, which previously considered a legal challenge but deemed it impossible, has accused the Mayor of misleading voters. Labour’s Councillor Geoff Barraclough countered that the Conservatives misled voters with spurious legal promises. The council has separately allowed TfL to conduct enabling works around Oxford Street West, including bus stand changes, to maintain network functionality post-pedestrianisation, at no cost to the council. A council paper warned that without these works, surrounding streets risk operational issues affecting freight and servicing.
