Oxford Street Pedestrianisation Begins: What's Happening, When and Where

London's Oxford Street took a major step towards becoming traffic-free on Monday 26 October 2026, when the section running from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street — a stretch of around 0.6 miles (0.9km) — was closed to private cars, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, bicycles, scooters and pedicabs. Emergency vehicles will retain access throughout.

The change was given the green light in February 2026, with the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) — set up by Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan and granted planning powers on 10 August 2026 — overseeing the project. For the first few months, the closure operates as a live testing or "transition scheme", allowing businesses and visitors to provide real-time feedback. Permanent changes are expected to be in place towards the end of 2027.

Several bus routes are being diverted or cut short as a result. Daytime routes affected include the 7, 94, 98, 139 and 390; night routes include the N7, N98, N113, N137 and N207. Passengers travelling by bus to Oxford Street West will need to walk an additional 100m to 200m to reach the new stops.

Supporters of the scheme point to improvements in air quality and pedestrian safety, noting that independent analysis from Imperial College London found that ULEZ reduced estimated air pollution-related deaths in London by around 40% between 2019 and 2024. Critics argue that displaced traffic will simply move onto nearby side streets, and that relocating bus stops creates difficulties for people with accessibility needs.