Buses out, shoppers in, London’s Oxford Street goes traffic-free

London's Oxford Street, the city's most popular shopping destination, will become a traffic-free pedestrian zone on Monday, Mayor Sadiq Khan announced. A one-kilometer stretch between Selfridges and IKEA will be closed to buses, cars, taxis, bicycles, scooters, and pedicabs, transforming the area into a new public space to revitalize the street and boost economic growth.

This move comes after years of planning and aligns with the mayor's ambitious vision to make Oxford Street one of the world's top shopping destinations, alongside New York's Times Square, Paris' Champs-Élysées, and Barcelona's La Rambla.

Khan expressed pride in finally unlocking a new era for the street, stating that the revitalization will create jobs and economic growth in the capital. Oxford Street, a hub of high-end retailers like John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Tiffany & Co, has struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the arrival of US candy stores deterring many shoppers.

The pedestrianization is the first phase of a broader transformation, with plans for 2027 including the addition of over 50 trees, 100 seats, two public squares, rest areas, and improved signage and lighting.

Although the transformation will not see extensive construction before the busy holiday season, the mayor emphasized that the changes will result in a greener, more vibrant Oxford Street that attracts visitors, investment, supports businesses and jobs, and drives growth in the heart of London. British Housing, Communities, and Local Government Minister Angela Rayner also praised the move, highlighting its potential to create a more welcoming and prosperous environment for all.