London removes cars from half of Oxford Street ahead of holiday season

Oxford Street in London has entered a new commercial phase, with half of its 1.2-mile length now closed to private vehicles, buses, and e-scooters. The temporary pedestrian zone, which stretches from Oxford Circus to Marble Arch, opened on Monday morning to coincide with the start of the Christmas shopping period. This change eliminates through-traffic on the capital's most high-volume retail corridor, forcing a major rerouting of public transport and commercial logistics.

The closure is the first stage of a larger £150 million redevelopment project. The full plan, scheduled to begin in spring 2027, includes the installation of permanent trees, seating areas, and level plazas for public events. London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the Monday launch as a momentous day for the city, noting that the street had been in decline over the previous two decades. He stated that the goal is to prove that investing in pedestrian space leads to increased footfall and consumer spending.

Early reactions from retail stakeholders suggest a positive shift in shopper behavior. Daniel Te, a former city planner who moved to London from the United States in July, noted that the street was previously too congested for him to visit regularly. He observed that the added space allows for easier navigation and browsing. Te called the pedestrianization a significant achievement and suggested that neighboring streets should follow suit, viewing the bus rerouting as a manageable trade-off.

Abbas Shigival, who operates a souvenir kiosk at the start of the pedestrian section, reported that morning foot traffic was slightly higher than usual. He described the environment as more pleasant, attributing this to the ability of customers to walk freely. Raquel Cox, a visitor from Ireland, also praised the experience, stating that the reduction in congestion made shopping more enjoyable despite potential traffic increases on surrounding roads.

Transport for London (TfL) confirmed that double-decker buses are being diverted to adjacent streets to maintain service frequency. Claire Mann, the chief operating officer at TfL, said that capacity for passengers remains sufficient and that reliability should not be compromised. She indicated that the Elizabeth Line and Bond Street station would serve as alternative arrival points for commuters and shoppers. The agency plans to monitor ridership data to assess any long-term impacts on the network.

However, the change has faced criticism from those who rely on the street for work. Ben McMullan, a taxi driver, reported that traffic on surrounding streets has worsened, creating accessibility issues for customers with mobility challenges. He said he had to drop off a woman with walking difficulties further away than usual, noting that customers may avoid cabs if they cannot be brought directly to their destination. He fears this shift could reduce demand for his services.

Cyclists have also voiced objections to the closure. Jack, a construction worker who was stopped by security guards while cycling home, argued that the pedestrian zone makes his commute longer and more difficult. He expressed disagreement with the principle of restricting vehicles, comparing the measure to low-traffic neighborhoods that he believes hinder vehicle access. The permanent design of the street will depend on feedback collected during this initial testing phase.