Oxford Street Pedestrianisation Approved: A New Era for London’s Icon

London's Oxford Street is set for a significant transformation, with final approval granted for permanent pedestrianisation of a key section between IKEA and Selfridges, specifically from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street. This initiative, championed by Mayor Sadiq Khan and set to commence in September, will prohibit private motorised vehicles, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters, and pedicabs from this stretch. The decision follows a second public consultation, which garnered “general support” from 2,716 respondents.

The scheme's implementation involves halting traffic this September, followed by further works to enhance pedestrian facilities, including wider crossings. While the core section will be car-free, traffic will still be permitted to cross Oxford Street at five designated points: Duke Street, Davies Street/Stratford Place, Vere Street/New Bond Street, Holles Street/Harewood Place, and Regent Street. Emergency services will maintain uninterrupted access. Buses currently serving Oxford Street will be rerouted along Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place, with new bus stops, taxi ranks, and drop-off locations positioned as close as possible to the pedestrianised zone.

Mayor Khan expressed his delight, envisioning Oxford Street as a “world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure and outdoor events,” contributing to “a better more prosperous London.” The pedestrianisation is expected to make the area “safer, greener and generally more pleasant.” A notable, albeit minor, consequence mentioned is the potential end of viewing festive Christmas lights from a double-decker bus, though this is deemed a “small price to pay.” This ambitious project revives a vision first proposed over 20 years ago by Ken Livingstone, with potential for further phases to fully pedestrianise Oxford Street, marking a significant legacy for Khan's mayoralty.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/transport/oxford-street-pedestrianisation-2026)