Greater London Authority makes Oxford Street pedestrian only
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The Greater London Authority has transformed a 1km section of Oxford Street in London into a pedestrian-only zone, removing cars and buses from the area between Great Portland Street and Orchard Street.
This move marks the first phase of a multi-phase regeneration project intended to revitalize the shopping district. City Hall officials believe the change will help reverse a trend of falling rents and lower footfall, which New West End Company reports has dropped to 57 percent of 2006 levels.
The Greater London Authority estimates that the partial pedestrianisation could generate more than $109m per year and support an additional 700 jobs. Following a weekend trial in October 2025, two-thirds of local businesses reported that their sales figures remained the same or increased. The project includes plans to add two public squares, 50 trees, and hundreds of public seats. While some campaigners say the move creates a cleaner, quieter environment, some residents and local officials express concern.
Councillor Tim Barnes of the City of Westminster argues that the local community was not sufficiently consulted and worries that moving bus routes to smaller surrounding streets will make the area unliveable. The Oxford Street Development Corporation will review the results of the trial in the coming months. If successful, the corporation expects to transition the rest of Oxford Street into a permanent traffic-free space by the end of next year.
