February 10, 2007
SAVED!
Taxis to stay in Oxford Street
Secret plans to remove taxis from Oxford Street seem to have come to nothing, as we have been reliably informed that it is the firm intention of Westminster City Council that taxis should continue to ply their trade in London’s leading shopping street. As reported in TAXI on 12 July 2006, the LTDA had been tipped off about a plan to remove taxis when proposals to “improve” oxford, regent and Bond Streets had been submitted to councillors by the new West end Company for approval.
The report, which was compiled by the body representing the area’s major retailers, proposed reducing the level of traffic c in oxford Street and a briefing note accompanying the report sent to Councillors, made it clear that the proposed “reduction in traffic” meant the removal of taxis.
Some members of the City Council were opposed to proposal and the LTDA was made aware of what was going on. Immediately the association made its views clear and let it be known that the taxis would not go without a fight.
The ORBS action Plan, as it is known, is now due to be launched in the spring. It will contain measures to improve conditions for buses, pedestrians and taxis. The LTDA and its colleagues from the T&GWU and the PCO/TFL have been discussing details of the plan as it affects taxis with Westminster.
There may be some changes coming up but the intention is that taxis will continue to operate freely in the street for the foreseeable future. Still on the horizon, however, is Mayor Ken’s idea of turning Oxford Street in to a tramway.
Filed under London Taxi News by admin
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