Transport for London (TfL) has announced it will replace Westminster City Council as the highway authority for Oxford Street - a key step in mayoral plans to pedestrianise the road.
Following discussions between Westminster and the Greater London Authority (GLA), TfL will take on the management of ‘the nation's high street’ this weekend.
TfL said there will be no changes to vehicle access arrangements along Oxford Street following the redesignation of the road, however wider proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street are set to be consulted on later this year.
Any issues related to roadworks, potholes and damage to bus shelters and traffic lights can reported via the TfL Street Care service.
The change has been made following a request from the GLA in support of the regeneration plans for Oxford Street currently being taken forward by the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).
This change will see TfL take over highway maintenance and roadworks permitting and co-ordination from Westminster City Council, but any street cleaning and refuse collection that takes place will continue to be carried out by the council in collaboration with TfL.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘I am delighted the process to hand over control of the nation's high street, Oxford Street, has been completed, ensuring that Transport for London will become the highway authority for the road from this Saturday, 20 September.
‘I have signed a Mayoral Decision which has allowed orders to be made confirming the redesignation of the road. This is a significant step forward on my pledge to pedestrianise the road and unlock Oxford Street's true potential to deliver a world-class, accessible, clean street for everyone as we continue to build a better London for everyone.’
Cllr Max Sullivan, Westminster City Council's cabinet member for streets, said: ‘While Transport for London will become the highway authority for Oxford Street, Westminster City Council remains committed to working with the Mayor to listen and act on the knowledge of local residents and businesses.'
