Oxford Street Goes Car-Free: Half of the 1.2-Mile Strip Closes to Traffic

Nearly 0.6 miles of Oxford Street — the stretch housing John Lewis and Selfridges — closes to all traffic from 7am on 26 October, kicking off London's £150m pedestrianisation scheme after decades of planning disputes.

That first phase covers roughly half of the 1.2-mile street, from the Orchard Street junction near Marble Arch to Great Portland Street, east of the Oxford Circus Ikea. The zone stays vehicle-free every day between 7am and midnight.

Private cars have been barred from Oxford Street for years. Now the ban widens to every motorised vehicle — buses, black cabs — plus bicycles, and it runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has pushed the switch as part of clean air plans throughout his tenure, it's a political victory, aided by central government backing that overrode local council objections.

Why retailers and planners worldwide are watching

The scheme's location, scale and notoriety matter. Oxford Street draws millions of foreign visitors each year, and its outcome will interest city planners around the world. London has studied central Sydney's pedestrianisation and discussed its plans with Barcelona, whose La Rambla is similarly viewed, in the source's words, as shabbier than its renown deserves.

The big retailers, Transport for London and advocates of a greener city centre will all be hoping the changes live up to their promise. The first half-mile is effectively a live test for the rest of the street.

What does this change for transport?

Plenty. Here's the practical picture:

• Buses rerouted: Routes including the 7, 98 and 390 shift to Wigmore Street, which runs parallel to Oxford Street.
• Crossing points remain: Vehicles can still cross the pedestrianised stretch at several junctions, including the major Regent Street and Oxford Circus intersection, plus New Bond Street.
• Taxis nearby: Taxi ranks will sit within 100 metres of the traffic-free zone on Oxford Street and surrounding roads.
• No cycles at all: Unlike some other traffic-free areas of London, bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters won't be allowed on the strip at any time.
• Deliveries by the clock: Businesses can make deliveries outside the 7am-to-midnight window via certain access routes, but no vehicle will travel the length of Oxford Street.

What about disabled access and emergency services?

Mobility scooters stay allowed. Access for disabled people may actually prove easier than in many other parts of London: Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road stations, served by both the Underground and the Elizabeth line, are step-free.

Emergency services can reach the entire area whenever required via the cross streets. Cargo e-bikes will be introduced to collect litter and enable street cleaning during pedestrianised hours.

What comes next for the street?

Khan has talked about turning Oxford Street into a public plaza with outdoor dining. Improved street furniture and lighting are coming. Early next year, more trees and seating are due to be installed, while the road surface will be raised level with the pavements in places to create public squares and event spaces.

Will the rest of Oxford Street follow?

This stretch has repeatedly been described as the "first phase". Plans for the rest of the thoroughfare, though, will likely depend on the success — or otherwise — of the scheme. Retailers, TfL and Khan's office now share the same benchmark: if footfall and trading hold up, expect the barriers to move east.