London’s Oxford Street West is set to become a no-go area for road freight under plans unveiled by London mayor Sadiq Khan today.

These latest proposals on freight deliveries are part of TfL’s wider plan to create a traffic-free area between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus.

The Mayor wants to see the changes up and running by December 2018 to coincide with launch of the new Elizabeth line services, and the increased visitor numbers the new line will bring.

Under the proposals, which are open to consultation until 17 December 2017, delivery and servicing vehicles will deliver and pick up from a series of loading bays set “as close as possible” to the north-south crossing points at the junctions of Oxford Street West with Duke Street, Vere Street/New Bond Street, Davies Street/Stratford Place and Harewood Place/Holles Street.

“For most businesses on Oxford Street West, the changes we propose mean that the maximum distance to a loading bay would be no more than 50 metres,” the TfL consultation document states, adding that the “extensive network” of proposed loading and parking bays would rule out the need to take and make deliveries on Oxford Street West.

However the document adds TfL is still in discussions with businesses on this issue, with “the option (remaining) open to allow some access overnight if required,” and calls for further views on night time deliveries".

FTA head of policy for London Natalie Chapman praised TfL for factoring the needs of the freight industry into its plans for Oxford street West “from the start”.

She said: “It’s a balancing act. There aren’t many deliveries taking place on Oxford Street West at present but what is important is that the plans take into consideration the impact these changes may have on traffic flow in the side streets and surrounding areas.”

She added that TfL must also factor into its plans seamless access for those deliveries which will continue to need access to Oxford Street West, such as cash-in-transit or shop refurbishment deliveries.

  • Freight in the City Expo will explore many of the issues around urban deliver tomorrow (6 November) at London's Alexandra Palace. Register free to attend today.

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