Oxford Street Goes Car-Free Next Week in Historic First

Nearly one kilometre of Oxford Street — from Orchard Street by Selfridges to Great Portland Street, including the busy Oxford Circus junction where Oxford Street meets Regent Street — will become car-free on Monday 26 October 2026. The change marks the start of a live-testing phase under Mayor Sadiq Khan's long-running pedestrianisation plan. Ten bus routes will be rerouted, including the 7, 94, 98, 139 and 390 and their night equivalents. Cyclists will be prohibited from the 0.9 km stretch and directed to Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place or Margaret Street. Temporary seating, planters and bollards have already been installed; over 50 new trees and 100 new seats are planned by spring 2027. A raised road surface and possible seasonal water feature are planned for 2027. Emergency vehicles and refuse collection lorries retain access at specified times. The testing period will gather feedback from businesses and visitors before permanent infrastructure changes begin towards the end of 2027. Khan described the transformation as a step towards making Oxford Street a world-class pedestrian plaza hosting cultural events and international-standard retail experiences. The announcement dominated London news websites on 19–20 October as commuters and businesses began planning for the change.