RSMSJ Response to the Westminster After Dark Strategy

Dear Members,

Following extensive discussions with residents, representatives from other Westminster communities, and members of the council, we are writing to share the RSMSJ Committee’s formal response to Westminster City Council’s proposed Westminster After Dark Strategy.

This strategy sets out to promote a more active night-time economy, but regrettably does so without due regard for the rights and wellbeing of the many residents who call Westminster home. It assumes that the negative impacts of increased late-night activity - namely noise, crime, overcrowding, and light pollution - can be dismissed or absorbed without consequence.

Westminster Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

The document overlooks the reality that large parts of Westminster are primarily residential. These neighbourhoods are not simply transitional spaces for late-night visitors; they are homes to families, the elderly, and professionals - many of whom already experience strain from existing levels of disruption.

We strongly believe any night-time policy must start by safeguarding residents’ rights to peace, health, safety, and security. A more nuanced approach is needed - one that acknowledges Westminster’s diversity, and makes better provision for residential zones.

A Strategy Lacking in Clarity and Detail

The current draft lacks sufficient detail to properly assess its implications. We urge the council to provide clearer documentation, including accurate maps and data, to explain which areas will be most affected and what mitigation strategies will be employed.

Existing Problems Must Be Solved First

Residents are understandably concerned that the strategy does not address the issues we are already grappling with: ongoing anti-social behaviour, rising noise levels, overcrowding, and late-night littering and clean-up failures. Without adequate enforcement powers or funding, the council is in no position to expand night-time activity responsibly.

Particularly worrying are the proposals to introduce designated late-night entertainment zones on Oxford Street, Victoria Street, the Strand, and other already high-impact areas. These locations are already stretched by the volume of night-time footfall and associated problems. Intensifying their use without addressing enforcement capacity will only exacerbate matters.

Protecting Women’s Safety at Night

We are particularly concerned about the implications of the Westminster After Dark strategy for the safety of women and girls in our community.

Westminster City Council has rightly championed initiatives such as the Ask for Angela scheme, which aims to protect individuals - particularly women - who feel unsafe or threatened in nightlife venues. It is disappointing, then, to see a strategy that would significantly increase late-night activity, footfall, and alcohol consumption without adequately addressing the associated risks to women’s safety.

It is well-documented that extended night-time economies often correlate with a rise in harassment, violence, and vulnerability - especially in poorly lit, overcrowded, or under-policed environments. Any strategy that promotes a later, more intensive night-time economy must include robust provisions for safeguarding women and vulnerable groups.

What We Are Calling For

We recommend:

• Stronger enforcement of existing regulations, including increased funding for enforcement teams and the imposition of significant fines for breaches;

• A clear, public commitment to protecting quiet hours—not just within venues, but also during the comings and goings of patrons, deliveries, and clean-up operations;

• A meaningful noise and nuisance mitigation strategy before any expansion of late-night zones is considered;

• Continued, structured engagement between the council and resident associations like ours, to ensure residents’ voices are consistently heard and respected.

We also encourage residents to submit their own feedback, including personal experiences, photos or video evidence to illustrate the real impact of these issues on daily life.

How to Have Your Say

The council’s consultation is open until 22 June 2025. We strongly encourage every member to complete the survey here: westminsterafterdark.commonplace.is

You can read and download the full Westminster After Dark Strategy here: www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-after-dark

If you would like to share your thoughts with us directly, please email communityliaison@rsmsj.com

Thank you, as ever, for your support.

Warm regards,
The RSMSJ Committee
Residents' Society of Mayfair and St James’s