Jun 16, 2017 - We support the transformation of Oxford Street into a safe and attractive pedestrian environment, the May
UK Health Forum Response to the Transport for London Consultation On the transformation of Oxford Street Date: 16th June, 2017 Contact: Danielle Costigan, Policy Research Officer Email:
[email protected]
About the UK Health Forum The UK Health Forum (UKHF), a registered charity, is both a UK forum and an international centre for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and dementia. We focus on up-stream measures targeted at the four shared modifiable risk factors of poor nutrition, physical inactivity, tobacco use and alcohol misuse by developing evidence-based public health policy. We support policy implementation through advocacy, modelling and information provision to assist action by government, the public sector and commercial operators. As a charitable alliance of 80 professional and public interest organisations working to reduce the risk of avoidable non-communicable diseases, the UKHF is uniquely placed to develop and promote consensus-based healthy public policy and to coordinate public health advocacy. http://www.ukhealthforum.org.uk/ The UKHF welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Transport for London online consultation tool on the transformation of Oxford Street. We support the transformation of Oxford Street into a safe and attractive pedestrian environment, the Mayor of London’s manifesto commitment “to turn one of the world’s most polluted streets into one of the world’s finest public spaces – a tree-lined avenue from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch” and Living Streets’ seven principles that should underpin this transformation. These principles are: 1. walk
Make Oxford Street a world-class visitor and business destination - a great place to be and
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Removal of all motor traffic with access to buses and taxis a short walk away
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Accessible to all, regardless of age or disability
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A safe environment, day and night
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Provision of a parallel high quality east-west cycle route
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Careful consideration of the impact on the wider West End
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Consolidated deliveries limited to off peak times
Answers to questions Question 1: Our consultation explains why we believe it is necessary to transform Oxford Street. This would mean however potential changes for buses, taxis, cyclists and vehicles making deliveries or servicing businesses. Bearing in mind the changes we would need to make, do you agree with the transformation of Oxford Street in principle? Yes, we support the transformation of Oxford Street and we are comfortable with the changes that would be necessary to make this possible.
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Question 2: Our consultation materials describe the various challenges we would need to address to achieve our vision for the transformation of Oxford Street. We have described possible changes to access arrangements for buses and taxis, and we have explained what the transformation of Oxford Street might mean for cyclists and for freight and servicing. If you have any detailed comments about these or any other issue, please record them below. In addition to the potential gains for health and the environment, the closure of Oxford Street to all motor traffic gives an opportunity to provide an example for other cities and countries. As a street with a global reputation, we would recommend a full evaluation of the effects of the closure. This could then be used as a model of best practice for cities considering similar approaches to transformation of their major public spaces. More permanent, transformational and long term changes could then be based on full evaluation findings. Oxford Street is a dangerous, overcrowded and unpleasant location for everyone, including people arriving at London Underground stations and waiting for/getting off buses. From June 2013 to May 2016 there were around 60 collisions a year on Oxford Street which resulted in a personal injury. The introduction of the Crossrail Elizabeth line has the potential to add to these figures as there could be as much as a 50 per cent increase in the number of people using Bond Street station, for example 1. Currently, Oxford Street is an undesirable area for many. Disabled and older people find it very challenging to use because it is so crowded. Although benefiting from recent improvements, the quality of the public realm and pavements is not adequate for the level or diversity of demand to use the space. Despite restrictions on the types of and times vehicles can access Oxford Street, the road remains heavily congested. Taxis and private hire vehicles should be removed with taxi ranks and access provided as near as is practicable. Deliveries should be consolidated and limited to off peak times. In order for the transformation to be successful, all motorised, vehicular traffic, including buses and taxis must be removed from the street. High volumes of pedestrians would be expected on Oxford Street, so it would be sensible to provide a parallel east-west cycle route nearby with a streetscape design that prioritises pedestrian activity, albeit with cycle parking also being provided. Nearly 9,500 people die early each year in London due to long-term exposure to air pollution 2. Oxford Street exceeds the annual limit for nitrogen dioxide within a few days of the start of each year. The removal of all motor traffic, including taxis and buses, with careful selection of new routes, can contribute to reducing the level of air pollution on Oxford Street and the wider West End.
_______________ 1 https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/oxford-street/?cid=oxford-street 2 https://www.King-s-College-London-report-on-mortality-burden-of-NO2-and-PM2-5-in-London
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Question 3: We have described how we might improve the look and feel of Oxford Street, and other streets in the district, in both the short and long term. If you have any comments about this aspect of our proposals, or any aspiration for the look and feel of Oxford Street you would like us to consider, please consider them below. The transformation of Oxford Street into a safe and attractive pedestrian environment is an opportunity to reimagine it as a destination place and not merely a thoroughfare. The design must be accessible to all, regardless of age or disability. This can be achieved by levelling the surface, reallocating space away from vehicles to pedestrians and creating a design that encourages people to stop, sit and linger. There should be places created with shade and shelter that might include art and vertical and horizontal green areas/ gardens. Any locations where there could be the potential for conflict between pedestrians and vehicles should be subject to careful attention. Oxford Street, one of the busiest and best known shopping streets in the world, has the potential to become more pleasant and inclusive for all who visit.
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