London Mayor Sadiq Khan talked yesterday of creating a “better, greener, and more prosperous” London as the city’s Oxford Street shopping hub was pedestrianised.
On Monday 26 October, Oxford Street became permanently traffic-free for the first time, with almost a kilometre of the road pedestrianised. The section between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street is now closed to private motorised vehicles, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs – creating an on-foot retail destination.
The move follows extensive planning and consultations on the transformation of the retail and commercial hub; a project that will continue to evolve based on public and business feedback in the coming months.
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It is being dubbed by the Oxford Street Development Corporation as “a greener, safer and more accessible Oxford Street”, supported by new bus stops along Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place, and Cavendish Place that sit approximately 200 metres from the traffic-free area. By the end of spring 2027, the expectation is for more than 50 new trees to be planted, as well as the addition of two new public squares and better signage.
More than 100 new seats, dining tables, and new lighting will also be installed. Deliveries to commercial premises in the region can be made in the traffic-free area from midnight to 7am to support the businesses based in the community.
Khan said the move to ban traffic from the area is “unlocking a new era for the street”, turning it into a “world-class pedestrian space, where flagship retailers will sit alongside new shops and workplaces” and where cultural events will take place.
“Revitalising Oxford Street will boost jobs and economic growth in the capital, unlock the full potential of this key part of the West End, and help build a better, greener, and more prosperous London for everyone,” he added.
Day one saw thousands of members of the public flock to the newly revamped space. However, there were multiple incidents of cyclists – knowingly and accidentally – flouting the new “dismount” rules, which will result in fines for riders caught by Transport for London.
[image credit: Green Retail World]
