The consultation period on proposals to transform Oxford Street into "the world's best outdoor shopping experience” has been extended for two and-a-half weeks.

On Thursday (December 7), Westminster City Council secured an agreement from the Mayor of London and Transport for London to extend the current consultation on plans to pedestrianise the world-famous street.

Members of the public will now have nearly four weeks to consider and submit their views on the plans, which outlines the creation of an “unrivalled place to live, work and visit”.

The consultation period, which began on November 6, is seeking views on the council, the Mayor and TfL's proposal, which could create a traffic-free area by Christmas next year.

According to a spokesman for Westminster City Council, the overall vision is to create “the best shopping experience in the world” in Oxford Street.

If approved, plans could include new high-quality public spaces, cycle routes, 25 improved pedestrian crossings, wider pavements and additional taxi ranks.

The Mayor of London announced plans for a pedestrianised zone on November 6

The deadline for residents to submit their views on the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street was initially December 17, but it has now been extended to January 3.

Councillor Robert Davis MBE DL, the deputy leader of Westminster City Council, said he hopes the extension gives people who will be directly affected the “greatest opportunity” to consider the proposals.

He said: “We have listened closely to our residents and others who have asked us to extend the consultation period and we are pleased to be able to do so, particularly over the holiday season when people may have more time.

“We've made lots of information available about our plans and we want to give everyone, particularly those who will be directly affected, the greatest opportunity to consider the detailed proposals and submit their views - we want to hear from as many people as possible."

If plans are approved, Oxford Street will become traffic-free

He added: “The joint announcement about extending the consultation shows how we are working closely with our partners at Transport for London and the Mayor as everyone wants to ensure we have a scheme that will truly transform Oxford Street and the wider district for the better.

“No final decisions will be made until we have considered every response and we would encourage everyone who feels they have a stake in Oxford Street and the surrounding district to have their say.”

If successful, the plans would mean all east-west traffic is restricted from entering Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus while maintaining north-south routes through that section.

The carriageway would be raised to be level with existing pavements between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus during this first stage, making the area “more accessible for everyone”.

Residents have until January 3 to submit their views about the Oxford Street plans

TfL's director of city planning Alex Williams added: “We and Westminster City Council have jointly agreed to extend the consultation on transforming Oxford Street for a further two and-a-half weeks.

“This will allow residents, business and visitors to the local area more opportunity to respond to the proposals, which are designed to secure Oxford Street and the wider district’s future as an unrivalled place to live, work and visit."

To have your say, head to consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/oxford-street.

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