Love the idea of pedestrianising Oxford St, would make pavements much less crowded and easier to cross back and forth. I think the proposal is not to have have cycle ways on it which I support as a cyclist as long as the routes either side are safe. Makes sense to completely pedestrianise it so people can wander about and ideally some outdoor seating etc.
i don’t at all agree most Londoners want to drive. Most Londoners want less pollution, more space to walk and socialise and feel safe (not getting almost run over by speeding cars). In fact most don’t have a car, I don’t and I’m a Londoner too. I don’t see why we should give others the privilege of storing their private property on our public spaces. I wouldn’t dream of driving into central London and never did even when I owned a car. If those who can walk, cycle and take public transport do then there’s less congestion for people that can’t do that and need to drive. Nothing stopping you from driving and parking in Soho or surrounding streets. It’s not like you can park on Oxford st as is so nothing really changes for you other than not being able to drive the length of it, not like you can park outside M&S, get back in and drive up to Boots right now?
Several studies also show that walkers and cyclists are likely to spend more money on high streets. It’s a fallacy that people who drive spend all the money - they drive to retail parks usually. Oxford St like most high streets rely on passing, impulse purchases. And Oxford Street is also for tourists, most of whom aren’t driving.