Full Breakdown
Oxford Street Pedestrianisation Begins October 26, 2026
By Drooid · · How we work
Background and Prior Consultation
The plan to close a 0.7-mile stretch of Oxford Street to most motor traffic follows two public consultations that granted official approval. The scheme is being delivered by the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL). Advocacy group Living Streets highlighted a one-day traffic-free trial in September 2025 that lifted footfall by 45 percent, with 80 percent of visitors reporting a positive experience.
Implementation Details and Timeline
- October 19 – Access via James Street, Binney Street and Gilbert Street ends at 22:00 BST for final road-layout work.
- October 24 (01:00 BST) – Initial bus-route changes take effect.
- October 25 (20:00 GMT) – Buses and other traffic are diverted away from Oxford Street between Portman Street and Winsley Street.
- October 26, 2026 – Pedestrianisation between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street commences; traffic will continue north-south along Regent Street at the Oxford Circus junction, with four crossing routes remaining open.
- Spring 2027 – The first “test and review” phase is slated for completion, after which final designs will be refined.
TfL indicated that the existing road layout will remain unchanged at first, but plans to raise the road surface to match the pavement level within the pedestrian zone.
Traffic, Bus and Delivery Adjustments
TfL will reroute several bus services to new stops on Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place. Routes 98, 139, 390, N98 and N207 will use these stops, while routes 7, N7, 94, N113 and N137 will terminate in the Marble Arch area. Additional adjustments affect routes 2, 13, 73, 74, 113, 159, 189, 274, N2, N8, N15, N25, N73, N74, N109 and N136.
Delivery vehicles may operate in the pedestrianised zone between midnight and 07:00 each day at designated locations, and businesses can continue to receive services via sideroads. Waste collection will be maintained by Westminster City Council, while the Oxford Street Development Corporation will fund cargo e-bikes for litter collection during pedestrian-only hours.
Public Realm Enhancements
By the end of spring 2027, more than 50 new trees and over 100 new seats will be installed along the pedestrian zone. Two temporary raised road surfaces will create public squares for events, and a seasonal water feature is under consideration. TfL will assume responsibility for ongoing upkeep, replacing Westminster City Council’s current role.
Official Statements & Responses
The Oxford Street Development Corporation described the first phase as a “test and review” period intended to inform final designs. TfL said it will install tactile paving, dropped kerbs and accessible crossing points at all pedestrian crossings, and will place staff near new bus stops to assist travellers. TfL also outlined plans to improve street lighting and CCTV coverage, and confirmed that emergency services will retain access through multiple points.
Living Streets’ Chief Executive Catherine Woodhead emphasized that pedestrianising the street will make it safer and healthier for families. Central London Living Streets Group leader Cat Kenyon called the project a “great first step” and urged replication on other West End high streets.
Funding and Cost
The scheme is projected to cost £150 million, inclusive of highway alterations. The Oxford Street Development Corporation plans to finance the project through advertising, sponsorship, philanthropic contributions and borrowing.
Future Phases and Considerations
While the initial pedestrianisation covers the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, the corporation is evaluating additional phases and associated costs. Details of any subsequent extensions have not been finalised.