Frequently Asked Questions

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Ward: West End

Streets Affected: Berners Street, Hanway Street, Newman Street, Oxford Street, Perry's Place, Rathbone Place, Soho Street, Wardour Street

Project Type: Streetscape

Benefits of the Scheme

• Will the improvements make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road?
• How else will the improvements make it safer?
• Will buses and taxis continue to use Oxford Street once the improvements are in place?
• Will the improvements make traffic move slower along Oxford Street?
• How will the scheme improve Oxford Street for people with disabilities?

During the works

• Who will be carrying out the works?
• Will I still be able to use the shops on Oxford Street?
• Will I still be able to catch a bus on Oxford Street?
• How will I get access to my premises for deliveries?
• Will the road be closed to traffic at any time?
• Will the works affect special events such as turning on the Christmas lights?
• What are you going to do to make it safe for pedestrians during the works?
• Surely the works will mean that buses are more likely to be delayed?
• Is the whole of Oxford Street going to be affected at the same time?

Benefits of the Scheme

Will the improvements make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road?
Yes. The aim of the scheme is to make it easier and safer for pedestrians to use Oxford Street and cross Oxford Street. The improvements will provide many more places for pedestrians to cross from one side of Oxford Street to the other and will also make it easier and safer to cross the junctions on Oxford Street.
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How else will the improvements make it safer?
The pedestrian crossings at the junctions on Oxford Street will be made from a different material so they are more visible to drivers and pedestrians. They will also be coated with anti-skid material. The central refuge will allow pedestrians to safely cross from one side of Oxford Street to the other.
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Will buses and taxis continue to use Oxford Street once the improvements are in place?
Yes, and the scheme should make traffic run more smoothly on Oxford Street.
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Will the improvements make traffic move slower along Oxford Street?
No, one of the benefits of the scheme is that traffic will flow more smoothly on Oxford Street because of the design of the bus stops.
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How will the scheme improve Oxford Street for people with disabilities?
Pedestrians will be able to travel along Oxford Street East without going up and down any kerbs - the street will all be one level. All bus stops will become disability compliant making boarding and alighting buses quicker and easier.
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During the works

Who will be carrying out the works?
West One, Westminster City Council's chosen service provider for transport improvements and the management and maintenance of the Council's structures portfolio, will be carrying out the works. West One is a joint venture between FM Conway, J Murphy Group and WSP Group.
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Will I still be able to use the shops on Oxford Street?
Yes. Access to all premises on Oxford Street will be maintained throughout the works. We aim to minimise disruption to businesses and therefore it is not proposed to close or restrict access to the businesses affected.
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Will I still be able to catch a bus on Oxford Street?
Yes. Oxford Street will remain open to traffic throughout the works. Some bus stops may be temporarily relocated at times to allow the works to take place in particular areas.
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How will I get access to my premises for deliveries?
The West One team will be visiting the businesses on Oxford Street to discuss their loading requirements. As the road will not be closed to traffic during the works, deliveries will be able to take place as usual, though access to some loading bays may be temporarily restricted.
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Will the road be closed to traffic at any time?
Traffic will be unaffected for the majority of the works. At times, it will be necessary to reduce traffic to one lane in one direction, however every attempt will be made to minimise the duration of these works. Advance notification will given, and traffic diversions will be put in place to minimise any effects on traffic.
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Will the works affect special events such as turning on the Christmas lights?
No. All works will be programmed so as not to coincide with any special events. Paving works will be completed and were safety permits; the site will be cleared prior to any events taking place.
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What are you going to do to make it safe for pedestrians during the works?
The contractor will ensure that on all reasonably foreseeable approaches to the worksite, warning and prohibition signs are erected conforming to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, indicating a hazardous worksite and that unauthorised access is prohibited. Where reasonably practicable, secure fencing will be erected around the worksite.
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Surely the works will mean that buses are more likely to be delayed?
Though at times there will be a need for temporary traffic management arrangements such as reducing the width of the carriageway, where possible, these works will take place during the evening to minimise any delays to traffic.
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Is the whole of Oxford Street going to be affected at the same time?
Only the part of Oxford Street between Berwick Street and Hanway Street will be improved as part of this scheme. Within this area, the works will be undertaken in stages, meaning that small sections of the street are improved in turn, to minimise the impact on the businesses situated on Oxford Street and the thousands of visitors to the area.
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