Oxford Street Becomes Traffic-Free for the First Time

On Monday 26 October, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan declared a "truly momentous occasion for the capital" as Oxford Street became permanently traffic-free between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street — a stretch of almost one kilometre. The closure bans private cars, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, bicycles, scooters and pedicabs from the area. Emergency services retain access at all times, and delivery vehicles may enter between midnight and 7am to support local businesses. Diverted bus services now use nearby roads, with new stops along Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place located approximately 200 metres from the pedestrianised zone, meaning bus users can still reach the area conveniently. The plans won broad public backing, with around 7 in 10 Londoners and businesses expressing support following extensive consultation. An initial transitional scheme is in place while real-time feedback shapes the final permanent designs. 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 dining tables, and improved signage. The transformation is the first stage of a wider regeneration programme aimed at placing Oxford Street alongside global destinations such as Times Square and the Champs-Élysées. The street currently draws around £3.1 billion in annual spending.