Could Soho be pedestrianised?

Soho businesses have called for the area, which borders Chinatown, to be included in the Mayor of London’s plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street.

In September, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, announced plans to pedestrianise much of Oxford street. Traffic would be limited to areas along the street towards Tottenham Court Road. Where Soho is located.

Now, the Soho Business Association (SBA) have written to the mayor calling for the entire area to be fully pedestrianised or low-traffic zones.

The mayor’s office has said plans are still being finalised.

In the letter, the SBA wrote: “You may not be aware that in a very similar way to Oxford Street, Soho has suffered with years of neglect in terms of highway maintenance and public realm improvement.

“The pavements are narrow and inaccessible, the lighting is poor in places making it feel unsafe for vulnerable groups, in particular for women and girls, there is limited opportunity for on street surveillance because of the narrow pavements and CCTV has been completely removed from the busiest streets.”

The SBA represents around 150 businesses in the Soho area.

However, Paul Dimoldenberg who is a Labour councillor on Westminster City Council has questioned the call. He claims not all local businesses were asked for their views before the letter was sent and that local residents had no say. 

Soho was previously pedestrianised during the pandemic. During this period, Chinatown benefited greatly. Westminster Council introduced ‘continental-style’ outdoor dining, with bars and restaurants allowed to put tables on roads. It was a lifesaver for the businesses in an area that was worst hit by the pandemic.

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