Mayor of London green lights Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans
Plans to pedestrianise London’s Oxford Street have been given final approval by the Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan.
Transport for London (TfL) have now been instructed to implement the proposed changes, which will see the removal of traffic from Oxford Street between Great Portland Street and Orchard Street, City Hall said.
It is hoped vehicles will be stop using the road by September, following which further work to make the street more welcoming to pedestrians will commence.
This comes after a second consultation on traffic diversions which received over 2,700 responses, the majority of which agreed with the updated plans, City Hall said.
Sir Saiq Khan said that pedestrianisation will make Oxford Street safer and more enjoyable for visitors, while also making the shoppind destination “a global leader” for shopping, leisure and outdoor events,” competing with the likes of Fifth Avenue in New York and the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
“This would help to attract more international visitors, bringing the world to London and showcasing the best of London to the world. The rejuvenation would also act as a magnet for new investment and job-creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come”, he added.
However, the plans have drawn criticisms from some campaigners and retailers, who have highlighted issues such as disabled access and difficulties with deliveries. In a statement released last year, Inclusion London said it was concerned that the proposals to pedestrianise the street “may create significant barriers to disabled Londoners to travel safely and independently”.
Proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street were first announced in late 2024.