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Oxford Street Pedestrianisation Begins: First Phase Turns Iconic Shopping Mile Car-Free

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Core Event – Launch of the Pedestrian-Only Zone

On October 26 the Greater London Authority closed almost a kilometre of Oxford Street – the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street – to all motorised traffic, including buses, cars, taxis, e-scooters and cycles. Temporary bollards and green signage mark the first phase of a multi-year regeneration scheme that aims to create a fully pedestrianised West End by the end of 2027-2028.

Al Jazeera (website)

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London's Oxford Street partly pedestrianised after years of wrangling

02

Background & Context

Oxford Street’s decline has been linked to high rents, a chaotic business-rates system and the replacement of many small retailers with large flagship stores. Earlier attempts to pedestrianise the street faltered: a 2017 mayoral pledge was abandoned in 2018 after Westminster Council claimed resident opposition. Mayor Sadiq Khan created the Oxford Street Development Corporation, shifting responsibility to the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL).

The Guardian

Visual evidence

Images from the story

‘It’s a better experience,’ said Raquel Cox, on holiday from Ireland
‘It’s a better experience,’ said Raquel Cox, on holiday from IrelandPhoto: theguardian
Cyclists have been spotted ignoring new restrictions on pedestrianised Oxford Street (Image: @officialjoshdavies)
Cyclists have been spotted ignoring new restrictions on pedestrianised Oxford Street (Image: @officialjoshdavies)Photo: london-now
Cars, buses, taxis and bicycles can no longer travel along much of Oxford Street, with almost a kilometre of the road now pedestrianised
Cars, buses, taxis and bicycles can no longer travel along much of Oxford Street, with almost a kilometre of the road now pedestrianisedPhoto: theguardian
(Image
(ImagePhoto: cyclingweekly
‘It’s not going to work for me,’ said ‘Jack’, stopped by security guards from cycling along Oxford Street
‘It’s not going to work for me,’ said ‘Jack’, stopped by security guards from cycling along Oxford StreetPhoto: theguardian
Shoppers revelled in how the extra space to walk down Oxford Street meant they did not have to jostle one another off the pavement
Shoppers revelled in how the extra space to walk down Oxford Street meant they did not have to jostle one another off the pavementPhoto: theguardian
Daniel Te captured the moment in his sketchpad
Daniel Te captured the moment in his sketchpadPhoto: theguardian

03

Official Statements & Responses

Mayor Sadiq Khan called the launch “a momentous day” and framed the scheme as a “proof of concept”. Claire Mann, chief operating officer of TfL, said “plenty of capacity for passengers” remains despite bus diversions.

The Guardian

Councillor Tim Barnes (deputy leader, City of Westminster) warned that the consultation process had been “one-way” and that economic benefits were “overstated” because displaced bus routes could strain surrounding streets.

Al Jazeera (website)

TfL’s spokesperson reiterated the new rules:

Oxford Street cyclists ignore ban after pedestrianisation
  • “No cycles, e-scooters or pedicabs are allowed on Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street and riders are obliged to follow the rules of the road.”
Oxford Street cyclists ignore ban after pedestrianisation
  • “We will continue to monitor this closely and take any further action as necessary.”
The Guardian

04

On-the-Ground Reports

  • Muneera Alfadhel, biology teacher, described the scene as “magical” and praised cleaner air.
Al Jazeera (website)
  • Daniel Te, recent US transplant, said the new space makes him “more inclined to come”.
Al Jazeera (website)
  • Raquel Cox, holidaying from Ireland, said the pedestrian street offers a “better experience” despite busier side streets.
Al Jazeera (website)

05

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

Footfall trends are presented in two ways: a 13.5 % increase during a 2019 protest versus a current level at 57 % of 2006. Both figures are accurate for different periods, but the long-term impact remains unmeasured. Economic projections are based on GLA modelling; no independent post-implementation audit is yet available.

The Guardian

06

What’s Next

The Oxford Street Development Corporation will monitor sales, footfall and traffic patterns over the coming months, with an interim review slated for early 2027. Enforcement officers can issue Penalty Charge Notices to vehicles entering the restricted zone. Full conversion of the entire 1.2-mile stretch to a permanent pedestrian zone is expected by the end of next year, positioning the project as one of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s final major initiatives before the 2028 mayoral election.

Oxford Street cyclists ignore ban after pedestrianisation