Khan’s Oxford Street ‘Stitch-Up’ Sparks Council Fury, Threatens London’s Heart

Westminster City Council is demanding an immediate halt to Transport for London’s (TfL) alterations to Oxford Street bus stops, branding Mayor Sadiq Khan’s pedestrianisation plans a “stitch-up, plain and simple.” This move, published right after local elections, bypasses local authority and threatens the future of London’s most iconic shopping district.

Council leader Paul Swaddle has accused Mayor Khan and TfL of attempting to force through permanent changes to Oxford Street. The £150million scheme, which has already drawn significant opposition, aims to pedestrianise the western portion of the street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, banning private cars, buses, taxis, cyclists, scooters, and pedicabs.

This aggressive push by TfL involves issuing traffic orders covering more than 20 streets, all in preparation for implementing the pedestrianisation later this year. The council’s outrage stems from the timing and method of these announcements, leaving residents and businesses feeling unheard and disregarded.

Khan’s Plan: A Secretive Power Grab?

The core of the council’s fury lies in TfL’s decision to publish these critical measures immediately following May’s local elections. At a time when public attention was fixed on election results, TfL quietly advanced plans that will reshape one of London’s most vital arteries.

Mr Swaddle claims TfL orchestrated a consultation “so quiet that the people whose livelihoods depend on the street never even knew it was happening.” This suggests a deliberate strategy to avoid public scrutiny and opposition, pushing through a controversial scheme under the radar.

The traffic orders issued by TfL encompass modifications to bus stands and supporting infrastructure, all designed to manage traffic flow once vehicles are banned from the area. Crucially, Westminster City Council lacks any authority to block these TfL traffic orders, leaving the local borough powerless to prevent the changes from proceeding.

Westminster Council Leader Slams “Stitch-Up”

“This is a stitch-up, plain and simple. They are attempting to force through permanent changes to the most famous shopping street in the world through a consultation so quiet that the people whose livelihoods depend on the street never even knew it was happening.”

— Paul Swaddle, Leader, Westminster City Council

Mr Swaddle’s strong condemnation highlights the perceived underhanded tactics employed by TfL and Mayor Khan. His statement underscores the belief that a critical decision impacting thousands of businesses and residents was deliberately obscured from public view, bypassing democratic accountability.

TfL, however, has defended its actions, with a spokesman asserting that the authority followed standard procedures for issuing traffic orders. They claim this included “publishing a notice and sending emails to statutory consultees such as Westminster City Council,” a defence that rings hollow given the council’s strong reaction.

• TfL published critical Oxford Street pedestrianisation measures immediately after May’s local elections.
• Westminster City Council leader Paul Swaddle branded the move “a stitch-up, plain and simple.”
• The £150million scheme will ban private cars, buses, taxis, cyclists, scooters, and pedicabs from a key section of Oxford Street.
• Westminster Council has no legal authority to block TfL’s traffic orders, rendering them powerless.
• Critics warn of increased crime, reduced accessibility for disabled people, and worsened surrounding traffic congestion.

What This Means for Britain

This unilateral action by Sadiq Khan’s TfL represents a worrying trend of central authority overriding local democracy. For working families, this could mean longer, more complicated journeys into central London, impacting access to jobs and services. The promised economic boost is questionable, especially if businesses struggle with reduced accessibility and increased congestion on surrounding roads.

Economically, the scheme, despite its £150million price tag, faces significant criticism. Concerns about crime, accessibility for disabled people, and the inevitable traffic chaos on adjacent streets could deter shoppers and visitors, undermining Oxford Street’s status as a global retail destination. This could lead to job losses and reduced investment, further impacting London’s post-Brexit recovery.

Politically, this incident exposes a pattern of top-down decision-making that disregards local concerns and democratic processes. The accusation of a “quiet consultation” suggests a deliberate attempt to bypass public opposition, eroding trust in London’s governance. It highlights a disconnect between the Mayor’s office and the communities it serves.

The stakes are incredibly high. If Khan’s administration can push through such a significant, controversial change without meaningful local input, it sets a dangerous precedent. This isn’t just about Oxford Street; it’s about who truly governs London and whether the voices of its people and their elected local representatives are heard or simply ignored.

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Source: GB News | Breaking Brexit News