Oxford Street Side Junctions Close Permanently as Pedestrianisation Countdown Begins

Monday 19 October 2026 marked the beginning of the end for motor traffic on Oxford Street, as Transport for London permanently sealed the junctions of a series of side streets — including James Street, Gilbert Street and Binney Street — at their points of entry onto the shopping thoroughfare. The closures are the first on-the-ground change ahead of the full pedestrianisation of the 1 km stretch between Orchard Street (outside Selfridges) and Great Portland Street (outside IKEA), due to take effect on Monday 26 October. Under the scheme, motor vehicles, cycles, pedicabs, e-bikes and e-scooters will be banned between 07:00 and midnight; mobility scooters and emergency vehicles retain access at all times. Seven north–south crossing points — including Regent Street, New Bond Street and Great Portland Street — will remain open to through traffic. Bus routes 7, 55, 73, 94, 98, 139, 390 and a string of night services will be diverted to new stops on Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place from the evening of Sunday 25 October. The Oxford Street Development Corporation plans to install new seating, trees and public spaces, with the permanent public realm improvements expected to be completed by spring 2027. TfL's Abbas Raza described the staged works as preparing Oxford Street to become the world-class, welcoming destination the Mayor envisioned.