Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on reports today that the City of London Corporation are considering plans to create a pedestrianised zone in the City, said:
“I welcome the enlightened thinking of the City of London, which builds upon their other recent decision to introduce a 20 mph speed limit throughout the Square Mile
“Cutting road accidents and protecting London’s environment provides a powerful case for pedestrianisation projects being increasingly considered in London, as is already the case in many other cities in the world
“It is time that the Mayor of London and Westminster Council now caught up with the City of London, as well as best practice from around the world.
“Above all else there is a desperate need to cut accidents, reduce air pollution and improve the environment on Oxford Street.
“At the very least Westminster Council and the Mayor of London should immediately adopt the West End Commission’s recommendation and introduce 15 traffic free days in the West End. In the longer term, especially with the huge increase in passengers flooding in and out of the Crossrail stations, there is a powerful case for the permanent pedestrianisation of Oxford Street.”