Living Streets today welcomed the new scatter crossing at Oxford Circus - one of the country's most high profile shopping streets. The removal of clutter and the wider, more direct crossing space is a step towards rebalancing this key area of the capital - and catering for the high numbers of pedestrians that use it.

But it's only a step.

Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets, said:

"We want the Mayor to follow up this landmark move with a commitment to full pedestrianisation of Oxford Street. The buses and taxis that choke this vibrant area need to be gradually moved out, preferably by the time the worlds gaze falls on London for the 2012 Olympics. Our own survey, carried out on a pedestrianised day in the lead up to Christmas, showed that over two thirds of shoppers wanted all motor traffic removed from Oxford Street, with a similar number saying that the move would encourage them to visit more often. It's clear that the public desire for pedestrianisation is there, all we need now is the political will to make it happen."

For more information on the development, see the Mayor of London's website.