Official Approval for Oxford Street Pedestrianisation
Plans to pedestrianise London’s Oxford Street have received official approval, with Mayor Sadiq Khan committing to creating a “world-leading urban space.” The initiative aims to remove the remaining traffic—including buses, taxis, bikes, e-scooters, and pedicabs—this summer following a second public consultation focused on redesigning a central section of the capital’s iconic shopping street.
Construction work is scheduled to commence in the coming months and continue until late 2027, targeting the area west of Oxford Circus. This decision was confirmed on Thursday.
Mayor’s Vision and Economic Goals
Khan is anticipated to provide further details about the project next week. He has promoted the plan as a strategy to support businesses and rejuvenate London’s hospitality and nightlife sectors.
“I am delighted to be moving forward with my bold vision to transform Oxford Street into a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure and outdoor events.”
Public Consultation and Historical Context
An initial consultation conducted last year revealed widespread public support among 6,600 respondents. Although Oxford Street has been largely closed to general traffic for some time, the goal of full pedestrianisation has been delayed for decades, partly due to disagreements between City Hall and Westminster council.
Collaboration and Next Steps
Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at Transport for London (TfL), stated:
“We will work closely with Westminster council in the coming months to implement changes to the roads around Oxford Street, and the mayor will provide more information on the next steps for this transformational scheme next week.”
The second consultation, which attracted over 2,700 responses, focused on the detailed layout of the scheme and traffic diversion plans. TfL intends to proceed with the proposals, which will permit limited traffic crossing from most side streets while pedestrianising the core shopping area.
Buses are expected to be primarily rerouted to Wigmore Street, a parallel road to the north.
Support and Opposition
Major retailers along Oxford Street, including department stores Selfridges and John Lewis, have expressed support for pedestrianisation, anticipating that it will help restore the area’s appeal, which has diminished in recent years.
Conversely, taxi drivers have criticized the plan, warning that the closure could exacerbate congestion and slow journeys through central London.
Traffic Impact and Accessibility Measures
TfL acknowledged in the consultation that some bus journeys may experience longer travel times and that hundreds of vehicles will need to be diverted onto surrounding streets during peak hours. The authority also addressed concerns regarding access for people with reduced mobility, indicating that the pedestrianised street will facilitate easier movement for wheelchairs and buggies.
