Oxford Street goes traffic-free as first pedestrianised stretch opens

Almost a kilometre of Oxford Street becomes traffic-free from Monday, as the first pedestrianised stretch of one of the world’s busiest shopping streets opens between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, The Independent reports.

No cars, buses, bicycles, scooters, taxis or pedicabs will be permitted on the stretch, from Orchard Street by Selfridges to Great Portland Street by Oxford Circus, according to Oxford Street’s official guide. Deliveries can be made from midnight to 7am, and emergency services retain access at all times. New bus stops sit along Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place, about 200 metres from the traffic-free area.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I’m hugely excited to see my bold vision for Oxford Street coming to life from today. It is a truly momentous occasion for the capital.” He said revitalising the street would boost jobs and economic growth, and open the chance for new experiences from sport to fashion and cultural events.

The street produces annual spend of around £3.1 billion and draws around half a million visitors each day, the report says. The change is the first phase of a wider transformation led by the Oxford Street Development Corporation, with seating, greenery and further public-realm improvements to come through to the end of spring 2027.

Critics have raised concerns: Westminster City Council deputy leader Tim Barnes has said the mayor is rushing preparations, warning that traffic pushed onto small nearby streets could cause economic and environmental harm. The scheme has the backing of businesses including John Lewis and Selfridges, and London transport commissioner Andy Lord said the changes would be closely monitored.