Story perspectives

Khan Pedestrianises Oxford Street, Backed by £150m Plan

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 6:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Sadiq Khan made almost 1 km of Oxford Street traffic-free.
The Oxford Street Development Corporation will run the £150 million scheme until spring 2027.
City Hall projects the change could generate $109 million yearly revenue and create 700 jobs.
John Lewis and Selfridges say pedestrianisation will boost sales and justify recent refurbishments.
Westminster councillor Tim Barnes called the plan rushed, under-resourced and likely to divert traffic onto residential streets.

History

Historical Context

On 17 November 1962 Copenhagen closed its central 1.1-km Strøget to cars, a trial led by town-planning mayor Alfred Wassard that became permanent in 1964. Architect Jan Gehl’s studies showed a 35 % jump in walkers that year and spurred a citywide pedestrian network of about 100,000 sqm. That model now underpins Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Oxford Street pedestrianisation plan.

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Story summary

Mayor Sadiq Khan made almost 1 km of Oxford Street traffic-free.
The Oxford Street Development Corporation will run the £150 million scheme until spring 2027.
City Hall projects the change could generate $109 million yearly revenue and create 700 jobs.
John Lewis and Selfridges say pedestrianisation will boost sales and justify recent refurbishments.
Westminster councillor Tim Barnes called the plan rushed, under-resourced and likely to divert traffic onto residential streets.

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