The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street is a step closer following public support for plans to transform the world famous shopping street.
62 per cent of people questioned in a TfL consultation either completely supported the plans or supported them with some concerns about the changes.
Businesses and residents were against the proposals however. Sixty per cent of business owners said they were against them, along with 48 per cent of residents, according to the Transport for London (TfL) consultation found.
Of almost 12,000 respondents, 43 per cent strongly supported the proposals and were comfortable with the changes necessary to make the transformation happen.
A further 19 per cent said they supported the scheme, but had concerns about the changes.
Oxford Street is visited by more than 500,000 visitors every day, making it one of the busiest across the capital.
And although cars are already banned on most of Oxford Street between 7am and 7pm on every day apart from Sunday, it remains a major thoroughfare for buses and taxis.
The second consultation on the plans is expected to begin in early November 2017.
Alex Williams, Director of City Planning at TfL, said: “Along with reducing the number of buses along Oxford Street by 40 per cent, the introduction of the Elizabeth Line provides a once in a generation opportunity to tackle the challenges of poor air quality and congestion to help ensure that it retains its iconic status for years to come.
“The strong support from this consultation has shown that there is a desire to make Oxford Street and the wider area an even better place to live, work and visit.
"We will now work to further analyse the consultation responses and address the issues raised as we develop our plans for a truly transformational scheme for all.”
By the time Crossrail opens in December 2018, a transition scheme could be in place, while it is hoped plans for the full transformation will be in place by 2021.
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An earlier version of this story stated 62 per cent of residents and businesses supported the changes to Oxford Street. This was incorrect and the story has been amended to more accurately represent the result of the consultation.
