As l put in my views on the TfL consultation on the proposed pedestrianisation of Oxford St, l was left thinking what pedestrianisation? As we have five car traffic crossing between the Marylebone and Mayfair sides of Oxford St, the major one of course being through Oxford Circus along Regents Street.  

The proposed pedestrianisation of Oxford Street covers a stretch of about 0.7 miles  (1.1 kilometers), running from Orchard Street (near Marble Arch) across Oxford Circus to Great Portland Street (near the eastern end/Tottenham Court Road area), aiming to transform this busy section into a car-free zone to improve shopping and public space.  Yet during this very short passage of road, we will have up to five North-South vehicle route access across Oxford Street as indicated in the diagram. These are at :  

• Duke Street (for traffic heading northbound only)
• Davies Street and Stratford Place
• Vere Street and New Bond Street (for traffic heading southbound only)
• Holles Street and Harewood Place (for traffic heading northbound only)  

Now of these crossings are going to be closed across Oxford St though the direction of travel may do. 

As for Regents Street proposal of works by Westminster City Council and Crown Estate –  something l welcome and feel is more relevant to the movement of residents at least in from the City – the proposed pedestrianisation of Oxford consultation does not really mention the interaction with these critical works at Oxford Circus. 

So what is the extent of a pedestrianisation proposal when you look at it more properly – not much in reality!