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Almost a kilometre of London's Oxford Street closed to vehicles on 26 October, banning cars, buses, taxis and bicycles between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. London's Oxford Street entered its first phase of permanent pedestrianisation, with the world-famous shopping street closed to all motorised traffic and bicycles between 7am and midnight daily.
Buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, private cars, cycles, scooters and pedicabs are all banned from the pedestrianised stretch. The street remains accessible to emergency vehicles at all times, and deliveries can be made between midnight and 7am. The change is the first time Oxford Street has become a pedestrian-only space permanently, although it has been pedestrianised for short periods before.
The £150m government-backed scheme represents the culmination of decades of debate over how to best use the street, which serves as both a major transport thoroughfare and home to flagship stores for major retailers including John Lewis and Selfridges. Oxford Street produces an annual spend of around £3.1 billion and receives roughly half a million visitors each day, making it one of the most important shopping streets in Europe.
London's mayor described the pedestrianisation as a truly momentous occasion for the capital and said it marked the end of decline for the street. Transport for London said the changes would help create a safer and more spacious place in the heart of the capital. The first phase of the overhaul is expected to be completed by spring 2027, with planned additions including 50 new trees, more than 100 seats, two public squares, rest areas and improved signage.
On the first day, the reaction was mixed. Some pedestrians welcomed the extra space and the quieter street, while drivers and delivery workers complained about congestion on surrounding streets. Officials acknowledged there would be teething problems, including the diversion of bus routes, but said the long-term vision was for a street that could host events and offer a better experience for shoppers and visitors alike.
Source: News Today
