Oxford Street’s First Pedestrian Phase Begins

On October 26, 2026 an almost-kilometre stretch of Oxford Street—from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street—was closed to motorised traffic, bicycles, e-scooters and pedicabs. Vehicles may still cross at a few junctions, and deliveries are permitted only between midnight and 7 a.m. Emergency services retain unrestricted access via the cross-streets.

The Guardian

Mayor Sadiq Khan first raised a pedestrian Oxford Street in his 2016 manifesto. After a 2017 proposal was blocked, a 2025 public consultation showed two-thirds support, prompting the creation of the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) to take planning control. The current phase is a “test-and-learn” pilot that will inform a longer-term redesign slated for 2027.

London's Oxford Street, Europe's busiest shopping street, goes pedestrian-only

• ? ½ million visitors per day.

London's Oxford Street becomes permanently traffic-free

• Annual retail spend £3.1 billion; corridor output £25 billion (? 1 % of UK GVA).

Oxford Street’s biggest changes are still to come as Sadiq Khan reveals ambitious plans for London’s shopping landmark

• Phase funded at £150 million, delivering > 50 new trees, > 100 seats and two public squares by spring 2027.

Oxford Street goes traffic-free along a kilometre

• Bus routes 7, 98, 390 and night services diverted to parallel streets.

Last buses run down Oxford Street as pedestrianisation kicks in

Mayor Khan called the change a “proof of concept” for boosting footfall. The OSDC said the layout will allow data collection on pedestrian movement, retail activity and accessibility. TfL pledged “plenty of capacity for passengers” and warned cyclists must dismount or use alternative routes.

Oxford Street cyclists ignore ban after pedestrianisation

• Ben McMullan, taxi driver, reported “definitely worse” traffic on adjacent streets and disappointment from customers with prams.

The Guardian

• Councillor Tim Barnes, Westminster deputy leader, warned displaced traffic could raise congestion, air-pollution and safety risks.

Oxford Street’s biggest changes are still to come as Sadiq Khan reveals ambitious plans for London’s shopping landmark

• The London Cycling Campaign said the ban removes a major active-transport corridor without providing “high-quality parallel cycle routes.”

'Riders need safe alternative routes urgently' – Oxford Street pedestrianisation welcomed by campaigners, but cycling infrastructure demanded

• Disability advocates noted bus stops and taxi ranks are now 100-200 m from the zone, raising step-free access concerns.

BBC News

Shoppers such as Daniel Te, a former city planner, described the space as “more pleasant” and said he would visit more often. Raquel Cox, a visitor from Ireland, called the experience “exciting” despite acknowledging busier surrounding streets. Small-business owner Abbas Shigival said the morning was “a little busier than usual” but cautioned that longer-term effects remain uncertain.

The Guardian

TfL’s spokesperson said the scheme would cause a “manageable increase” in traffic on nearby streets, while Westminster officials and resident groups warn of “significant congestion” and possible air-quality deterioration. No independent footfall or sales data have been released, leaving the economic impact unverified.

Oxford Street’s biggest changes are still to come as Sadiq Khan reveals ambitious plans for London’s shopping landmark

• “After so many false dawns… I’m proud that we’re finally unlocking a new era for the street,” — Sadiq Khan, London mayor

London's famous Oxford Street goes traffic-free in major pedestrianization move

The OSDC will monitor pedestrian flow, retail performance and accessibility feedback through the winter shopping season. By spring 2027 temporary barriers will be replaced with permanent paving, trees and seating installed, and level public squares created. A second phase extending the traffic-free zone toward Marble Arch and Tottenham Court Road depends on the pilot’s outcomes.

Oxford Street goes traffic-free: London’s most famous shopping street enters a new era