Oxford Street goes traffic-free: first day of London's new pedestrian zone

On Monday 26 October 2026, Oxford Street in London became permanently traffic-free for the first time. Almost a kilometre of the street is closed, from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street. According to BBC News, shoppers filled the stretch on the first day.

Who can no longer use Oxford Street

Private motor vehicles, buses, taxis and private hire vehicles are banned from this section. Cycles, scooters and pedicabs are also not allowed. Emergency services have access to the street at all times. Deliveries to shops are allowed between midnight and 7am.

Side roads across this stretch operate as before. They include Duke Street, New Bond Street / Vere Street and Regent Street. For bus passengers, new stops have been set up on Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place. According to the Mayor's office, they are about 200 metres from the pedestrian zone. Transport for London (TfL) is to monitor how traffic copes on the diversions.

Changes in stages

The current layout is the first stage of a programme. The authorities call it a "transitional scheme". Design changes are meant to be temporary, so that feedback can be gathered from residents, businesses, disabled people and the emergency services before final designs are refined. Building work will be kept to a minimum ahead of Christmas.

By the end of spring 2027, there are due to be more than 50 new trees, two new public squares and better signage. More than a hundred new seats and dining tables are planned, along with new lighting. Westminster City Council is responsible for street cleaning in the zone, and TfL for maintaining the street.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the day a "truly momentous occasion for the capital". The project is led by the Oxford Street Development Corporation, set up by the Mayor in January 2026. According to the Mayor's office, a consultation (6,642 responses, February to May 2025) found that almost 7 in 10 respondents support the proposed changes. Two-thirds backed the idea of pedestrianisation itself. These figures come from the Mayor's side.

The rest of the street, from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, is not yet covered by the change. Any traffic plans for it will be subject to consultation.

What this means for you

The change affects people who shop or work in central London, especially in the run-up to Christmas. You can no longer take a bus directly onto this stretch, so you will need to use the new stops on neighbouring streets. Access is helped by the Elizabeth line stations at Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road, which have spacious step-free entrances. Delivery drivers and other motorists should check the current rules on the TfL Oxford Street travel page. Feedback on the new layout can be sent to the organisers by email, and events for residents are due to be held next year.