Story perspectives

Oxford Street Pedestrian Zone Projects $109M Annually, 700 Jobs

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 22:20 UTC · How we work

Read the story

Story summary

Summary

London Mayor Sadiq Khan opened a traffic-free kilometre of Oxford Street on 26 October 2026.
City Hall analysis projects the pedestrian zone could generate over $109 million annually and create 700 jobs.
Two-thirds of businesses reported sales were higher or unchanged during the October 2025 trial.
John Lewis COO Naomi Simcock announced multimillion-pound store investment following the pedestrianisation.

Summary

Deliveries to the pedestrianised Oxford Street stretch are allowed only between midnight and 07:00.
Emergency services retain unrestricted access to the traffic-free zone at all times.
The Oxford Street Development Corporation, created by the mayor’s office, oversees the regeneration project.
A public consultation found removing traffic would attract new shops and visitors to Oxford Street.
The new Elizabeth line stop on Oxford Street improves visitor access to the project.

History

On 17 November 1962 Copenhagen closed the central thoroughfare later called Strøget to cars, a trial inspired by post-war German pedestrian streets. Opposition and death threats to planner Alfred Wassard gave way to popularity, leading to permanent closure in 1964 and growth from an initial 15,800 sqm to a 100,000-sqm network. London’s 2026 Oxford Street pedestrianisation, backed by Mayor Sadiq Khan, follows that model.

1 of 3

Historical Context

On 17 November 1962 Copenhagen closed the central thoroughfare later called Strøget to cars, a trial inspired by post-war German pedestrian streets. Opposition and death threats to planner Alfred Wassard gave way to popularity, leading to permanent closure in 1964 and growth from an initial 15,800 sqm to a 100,000-sqm network. London’s 2026 Oxford Street pedestrianisation, backed by Mayor Sadiq Khan, follows that model.

1 / 3