Oxford Street pedestrianisation begins with one-kilometre traffic ban

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 07:20 · Archive

A one-kilometre stretch of Oxford Street will close to traffic from Monday, October 26, in the first phase of pedestrianisation.

A one-kilometre section of Oxford Street, from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, will close to traffic from Monday, October 26, marking the beginning of the long-promised pedestrianisation. Cars, buses, taxis, vans and lorries will be banned, though several north-south connections will remain open to allow drivers to cross Oxford Street. Emergency vehicles will retain access at all times, and arrangements are being made for essential services. Vans and lorries will be able to drive to businesses during specified night-time hours, and all cars except emergency services and delivery trucks between 7am and midnight will be banned.

Bus services will be rerouted around Oxford Street, and e-bikes and e-scooters will not be permitted in the pedestrianised section. New cycleways are under development. Several crossings will remain open, including Duke Street, Davies Street/Stratford Place, Holles Street, and New Bond Street/Vere Street, with all junctions but Davies Street/Stratford Place operating one-way.

This is the first phase of the pedestrianisation. The eastern and western ends are expected to follow in later phases, with completion targeted for spring 2027. Initially, no new street furniture or landscaping will be added; any beautification with seating, planters and trees is expected to follow in 2025, once the Oxford Street Development Corporation has observed how the traffic-free zone is used during the busy Christmas retail season.

How it is being reported

• How much of Oxford Street is being pedestrianised and how are bus routes affected?Cars, buses and e-bikes will all be banned next week as Oxford Street is pedestrianised. But what else is changing?Metro · 25 Oct, 07:00
• Can the new traffic ban save Oxford Street?After years of wrangling, pedestrianisation starts next week — delighting retailers but filling drivers with dreadEvening Standard · 24 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Oxford Street · Selfridges · Oxford Circus · Regent Street · Oxford Street Development Corporation

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