Features

The £5 million project will see the crossings go diagonally across the centre with the aim of making it quicker to cross.

Concrete barriers around the Circus will be taken down, with the junction being completely remodelled to give greater access to Oxford Circus Tube station.

Traffic lights will be re-phased, so all traffic will stop for 30 seconds allowing enough time for pedestrians.

Westminster City Council's Cllr Danny Chalkley said: "This new crossing, which will transform Oxford Circus and ensure visitors who emerge from the Tube are impressed by what greets them, is part of a whole series of improvements taking place to ensure the West End looks truly world class in time for 2012,"

The change in the way people cross is also designed to encourage more shoppers to Oxford Street, after a drop in trade.

Developers hope to have the new crossing ready in time for the Christmas lights switch-on in November.