Nearly 1-kilometer section of Oxford Street in London, UK, officially pedestrianized

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 26, the London municipal government officially launched the Oxford Street pedestrianization project, permanently converting the nearly 1-kilometer section between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street into a vehicle-free zone. London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced that buses, taxis, private cars, and bicycles will be rerouted. The project will be implemented in phases, with streetscape and public space improvements continuing in 2027, including plans to add more than 50 trees, two public squares, and over 100 seating areas.

The pedestrianized section of Oxford Street officially ceased regular vehicle traffic on October 26, with nearby bus routes and taxi ranks adjusted accordingly. New bus stops are mainly located on Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place, and Cavendish Square, approximately 200 meters from the pedestrianized zone. Businesses along the street may carry out goods deliveries between midnight and 7 a.m., while emergency vehicles such as fire engines and ambulances retain 24-hour access. Transport for London will continue to monitor traffic diversion and operations on surrounding roads.

Street space improvements are being coordinated by the Oxford Street Development Company, with public space design firm East responsible for the design of the pedestrianized area. The first phase will use transitional installations, gradually adding seating areas, street greening, lighting, and signage systems, with permanent redesign to be adjusted based on actual usage. Construction has been scheduled to avoid the 2026 Christmas shopping peak, with major streetscape improvement works planned to begin in 2027 and the first batch of public facilities expected to be completed by late spring 2027.

Oxford Street is one of London's core commercial districts, welcoming approximately 500,000 visitors daily and generating around £3.1 billion in annual commercial spending. The Oxford Street Development Company was established on January 1, 2026, to advance planning and public space renewal in the area. Future improvement works will also extend to the section of Oxford Street toward Tottenham Court Road, with Hawkins\Brown involved in the related design work.