WATCH: A new era of Oxford Street begins
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Sadiq Khan has hailed the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street as the world-famous shopping district closes to vehicle traffic for the first time.
From today, Monday, October 26, Oxford Street will be traffic-free as part of the London Mayor’s bold ambitions for the iconic road.
Removing traffic will be the first step in the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, with “major improvements” promised over the coming 12 months.
The section of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street will now be closed to private vehicles, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs.
The vehicle ban, which comes shortly before the busiest retail period of the year, has been hailed as a “truly momentous occasion for the capital” by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Buses, taxis, bikes and other motor vehicles are being diverted onto nearby roads, with Transport for London overseeing changing traffic patterns.
Minimal construction will take place between now and the busy Christmas period under the first stage of the phased delivery programme.
By the end of Spring next year, ongoing transformation will see the installation of 50 new trees, more than 100 seats, two public squares, rest areas and improved signage.
Sir Sadiq Khan said he was “hugely excited” to see his plans come to fruition, encouraging Londoners to visit Oxford Street and experience the benefits of a traffic-free shopping area.
He added: “For centuries, Oxford Street has reinvented itself, adapting to changing times and helping shape British culture along the way. There has been talk of pedestrianising Oxford Street for decades.
“After so many false dawns, and now working with a Government who share the scale of my ambition, I’m proud that we’re finally unlocking a new era for the street.
“The transformation will turn the nation’s high street into a world-class pedestrian space, where flagship retailers will sit alongside new shops and workplaces – and we’ll bring exciting new experiences to the street, from sport to fashion and cultural events.”
London trialled a car-free day last year, which saw strong foot-traffic levels and an increased presence from brands hosting pop-ups and other events.
Multiple consultations helped influence the decision to move forward with pedestrianisation efforts, with around seven in 10 respondents in favour of the Mayor’s plans.
Oxford Street has an estimated annual contribution of £25billion to the capital’s economy, as well as an annual spend of around £3.1billion.
Polling from 2025 found that almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of Londoners were in favour of pedestrianising Oxford Street, in addition to 72 per cent of visitors.
Catherine Woodhead, CEO of Living Streets, said: “For too long, vehicles have been prioritised over people, making the street unsafe and polluted. By making it easier for people to walk, we can create a healthier environment while attracting business and economic growth.
“Putting people first on one of the country’s most famous streets will hopefully inspire a whole host of walkable high streets across the UK.”
This was emphasised by New West End Company CEO Dee Corsi, who described it as “one of the most significant days in the history of Oxford Street”.
Jamie Witty-Lewis, CEO of Grosvenor Property, said removing traffic from the area would attract more people to Oxford Street and the surrounding region.
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