Full Breakdown
Pedestrianisation of Oxford Street Commences on 26 October
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
From 7 a.m. on 26 October, a stretch of nearly 0.6 miles (almost 1 km) of London’s Oxford Street—running from Orchard Street, beside Selfridges, to Great Portland Street, east of Oxford Circus—will be closed to all motorised traffic. The ban includes private cars, buses, black cabs, bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters. Emergency vehicles and delivery trucks may access the area only between midnight and 7 a.m. for store deliveries.
Background & Context
The idea of pedestrianising Oxford Street has been debated for decades, with successive mayoral administrations proposing plans that were repeatedly blocked by Westminster Council, the street’s owner. In February 2026 the mayor’s office secured central-government support to override local objections, allowing the “first phase” of a £150 million scheme to proceed. The plan draws on lessons from other global pedestrian precincts, such as Sydney’s CBD and Barcelona’s La Rambla.
Data & Statistics
- Length of the vehicle-free zone: ~0.6 miles (?1 km).
- Annual retail spend on Oxford Street: about £3.1 billion.
- Daily footfall: roughly 500,000 visitors.
- Estimated cost of the overall scheme: £150 million, with additional upgrades including 50 new trees, over 100 new seats, and two new public squares.
- Bus routes affected: numbers 7, 94, 98, 139, 390, N7, N98, N113, N137, N207, all rerouted to Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place or Cavendish Place.
Official Statements & Responses
He framed the change as part of a broader vision to create a vibrant, greener public plaza with outdoor dining, improved street furniture, and raised road surfaces that will form event spaces. Transport for London confirmed that buses will be redirected around the pedestrianised stretch and that mobility scooters will retain access for disabled users.
Criticism & Opposition
Councillor Tim Barnes, deputy leader of Westminster City Council, warned that the mayor is “rushing preparations.”
On-the-Ground Reports
On the first day of closure, nearby streets experienced lengthy queues as buses, taxis and private vehicles were diverted. Delivery windows were limited to the midnight-to-7 a.m. period, prompting some retailers to adjust stock-in-transit schedules. Pedestrians reported easier access to step-free Underground stations at Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road, while emergency services retained the ability to reach the area via cross streets.
Future Plans
The current pedestrianised segment constitutes the initial phase of the scheme. TfL plans to raise sections of the road surface to pavement level and install additional trees and seating by early 2027. Two new public squares are slated for creation, though exact locations remain undecided. Completion of the full Oxford Street transformation is expected to depend on the performance of this first phase.