Nearly one kilometre of London’s Oxford Street has been permanently closed to vehicles, marking the first phase of a long-planned pedestrianisation project that aims to transform one of Europe’s busiest shopping destinations.
The restrictions came into effect on Monday, October 26, 2026, covering the stretch between Orchard Street, near Selfridges, and Great Portland Street, east of Oxford Circus.
Cars, buses, taxis, private-hire vehicles, bicycles, e-scooters and pedicabs are no longer permitted along the designated section.
The project is being led by the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) and Transport for London (TfL), as part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plans to revitalise the area.
Bus routes and taxi access change
Buses that previously travelled along Oxford Street have been diverted to nearby roads, including Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place. New stops have been positioned around 200 metres from the pedestrianised zone.
TfL modelling suggests that additional journey times for most diverted bus services will be less than one minute in many cases.
Taxi ranks and passenger drop-off points have also been relocated as close to the restricted area as possible.
The initial phase largely preserves the street’s existing layout during the busy Christmas shopping period, with further changes planned for the coming months.
More trees and public spaces planned
By spring 2027, the project is expected to introduce more than 50 trees, over 100 seats and benches, and two new public squares or pedestrian plazas.
Plans also include improved lighting, signage and other upgrades to the public space. In selected areas, the road will be raised to pavement level.
Authorities will use this initial trial-and-review phase to inform longer-term plans, with further sections potentially included after the first phase has been assessed.
Oxford Street attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors daily and generates around £3 billion in annual retail sales. Supporters argue that pedestrianisation could encourage visitors to spend more time in the area, support outdoor dining and events, and strengthen its position as an international shopping and leisure destination.
Major retailers, including Selfridges and John Lewis, as well as the New West End Company, have backed the initiative.
Project draws support and criticism
Plans to reduce or remove traffic from Oxford Street have been debated for more than a decade. Earlier proposals faced opposition, particularly over traffic diversions, air quality on surrounding streets and the effects on local communities.
The current project advanced after the creation of a mayor-led development corporation with greater control over planning and road management in the area. Public consultations found majority support for the principle of pedestrianisation, with around two-thirds backing it in one exercise.
However, some Westminster councillors and other critics have questioned the pace of implementation. Their concerns include increased traffic on residential streets, accessibility for people with mobility difficulties, street cleaning, safety and the fact that the final design remains incomplete.
Authorities say Blue Badge parking provision is not expected to decrease and that alternative access points have been carefully planned.
Khan described the launch as a “truly historic” day and the beginning of a wider revival involving more green space, cultural events and improved public areas.
The first phase will now be tested during the crucial Christmas shopping season. Its impact on visitor experience, retail activity and traffic on surrounding roads will help determine the next steps.
Also read: NYC bans Central Park horse carriages after 150 years
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel.
