The Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans have been up in the air for quite some time now. But those proposed plans are set to be landing firmly on the pavement in a matter of mere moments, as a rather significant step has just been taken in the direction of London’s most iconic street finally getting the traffic-free treatment.
Sadiq Khan (the Mayor of London) recently set up the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) in a bid to get the ball rolling on the much-discussed pedestrianisation plans. Last month the planning powers and authority over the area were handed over to the OSDC. And this week, preparation work has officially begun.
The highly-anticipated plans in question will see the 1km stretch of Oxford Street that runs between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street completely closed to vehicular traffic. Cars, cabs, bikes, and buses will all be banned from the driving through this particular section – which includes the outrageously busy junction that connects Oxford Street and Regent Street.
The OSDC have confirmed that they’re aiming to have this section of the road closed to traffic from October 26. And whilst Oxford Street has dabbled in temporary traffic restrictions in the past, this will be the first step in the direction of permanent pedestrianisation.
The pedestrianisation comes in a bid to breathe new life into the central London shopping spot. Sadiq Khan wants to make the Oxford Street experience safe and more enjoyable for all involved, transforming the area into a ‘pedestrian plaza’ that can eventually host various events and experiences.
From October 26, temporary seating, planters, security bollards, and areas of raised carriageways are expected to be in place – marking the ‘live testing phase’ of the project. This will make the beginning of a phased delivery programme so as not to cause too much disruption. The scheme will continue to be tested, reviewed, and changed throughout spring 2027 based on the real-time feedback that is received. The insights gained throughout the first phase will then help shape what the permanent pedestrianisation will look like.
From October 26, the section of Oxford Street that spans from the western end of Sefridges to just past IKEA will be closed to all vehicles (including cars, buses, taxis, bikes, scooters, and pedicabs). Emergency service vehicles will be the exception, and service and delivery vehicles will have access – but only between 12am and 7am. All other vehicles will be diverted to neighbouring streets, and the bus routes that currently serve that specific stretch of Oxford Street will be rerouted along Wigmore Street and Henrietta Street.
Westminster City Council recently wrote to the government asking for a full environmental impact assessment. There are concerns around the negative effect that the project will have on the surrounding streets when it comes to traffic, noise, and air quality.
You can find out more about the future of Oxford Street here.
