Oxford Street: Sadiq Khan to get new powers from Government to force through pedestrianisation plans

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is to be given new powers by the Government to force through his plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street.

The move comes after months of wrangling between Khan and Westminster City Council over the future of the famous shopping street.

Khan has long argued that Oxford Street needs to be pedestrianised to reduce pollution and improve air quality. However, Westminster Council has resisted the plans, arguing that they would damage businesses and lead to job losses.

The Government has now intervened and granted Khan the powers he needs to push through his plans. The new powers will allow Khan to create a new "pedestrianisation zone" on Oxford Street, which will be closed to traffic for most of the day.

The move has been welcomed by Khan, who said it was a "major step forward" for his plans to make London a "greener, healthier and more sustainable city".

However, the plans have been met with mixed reactions from businesses on Oxford Street. Some businesses have welcomed the move, arguing that it will make the street more attractive to shoppers. However, other businesses have expressed concerns that it will damage their trade.

The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street is expected to begin in 2023. Once complete, it will be the largest pedestrianised shopping street in the UK.