Oxford Street is now traffic-free for nearly a kilometre.
After decades of proposals, central London's busiest shopping street has begun its people-first phase.
For the first time, almost one kilometre of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street is permanently traffic-free during normal operations. The change took effect on 26 October after years of failed proposals and two rounds of consultation.
WHAT HAPPENED
Cars, buses, taxis, cycles, scooters and pedicabs are barred from the section, while mobility scooters remain allowed and freight can enter on specified routes from midnight to 7 a.m. The current transitional design will gather real-world feedback before planned 2027 additions including trees, seating and public squares.
WHY THIS IS HOPESLOP
This is a high-profile test of whether a famous commercial street can give more space to people without waiting for a perfect final design. The long-term economic, accessibility and traffic effects still need measurement, but the most difficult step—removing ordinary traffic—has happened.
ORIGINAL SOURCELondon City Hall / Transport for LondonRead the original report
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