London bans vehicles from Oxford Street to revitalise retail hub
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Mayor Sadiq Khan transformed a nearly one-kilometre stretch of Oxford Street in London into a traffic-free zone.
The new pedestrian area spans the section between Orchard Street, near the Selfridges department store, and Great Portland Street, just east of Oxford Circus. This move aims to reverse a period of decline caused by online shopping, out-of-town retail centres, and the Covid-19 pandemic. The change prohibits cars, buses, taxis, bicycles, and scooters from the area.
Transport for London diverted bus services to nearby roads, placing new stops roughly 200 metres from the pedestrianised stretch. Delivery vehicles can still enter the zone between midnight and 7am, while emergency vehicles and mobility scooters maintain constant access. Authorities plan to complete further improvements by spring 2027, including the addition of more than 50 trees, over 100 seats, two public squares, and extra dining spaces.
While major retailers like Selfridges and John Lewis support the move, Westminster City Council expressed concerns that diverting traffic could increase noise, pollution, and congestion in nearby residential and commercial areas.
