Oxford Street Becomes Traffic-Free for the First Time

Mayor Sadiq Khan on Monday 26 October marked Oxford Street's permanent pedestrianisation, calling it a "truly momentous occasion for the capital." Almost one kilometre of the street — from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street — is now closed to private vehicles, buses, taxis, private hire cars, cycles, scooters and pedicabs. Emergency services retain access at all times, while deliveries to local businesses and retailers are permitted between midnight and 7am.

The change arrives in time for the Christmas shopping peak and is the first stage of a phased programme. Immediate construction work is deliberately minimal to limit disruption during the busy festive period. By the end of spring 2027, the street is expected to gain more than 50 new trees, two new public squares, over 100 seats and improved lighting and signage.

The Oxford Street Development Corporation, led by chief executive Nabeel Khan, is overseeing the project. A transitional scheme is in place to gather real-world data and public feedback before permanent designs are finalised. Visitors arriving by bus can use new stops on Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place, all roughly 200 metres from the traffic-free zone.

Around seven in ten Londoners supported the plans during consultation. The project aims to revive Oxford Street's £3.1 billion annual economy and position it alongside global destinations such as Times Square and the Champs-Élysées. Savills reports intense retailer demand for space on the street ahead of the full transformation, with competition for prime units continuing to grow.