Oxford Street: Half the shopping mile goes car-free

Sadiq Khan opened the first phase of the Oxford Street pedestrian zone on Monday morning, declaring it a “momentous day.” The closure covers roughly half of the 1.2-mile street, stretching from Oxford Circus station to Marble Arch. This section is now closed to private cars, taxis, e-scooters, pedicabs, and most double-decker buses.

The change takes effect immediately before the busy Christmas shopping period. Khan, who began his career in retail on the street, stood at John Lewis to announce the launch. He described the area as having been in decline over the last couple of decades. He stated that adding public transport links, greenery, and seating would improve the experience for visitors. The mayor characterized the project as a proof of concept for investing in people rather than traffic.

Shoppers on the street expressed immediate approval of the extra space. Daniel Te, a former city planner who moved to London from the US in July, sketched the scene. He noted that the street previously felt “too busy” to visit. He said the added room made him more inclined to browse. Te described the pedestrianized area as feeling like an extended version of the scramble crossing at Oxford Circus.

Raquel Cox, visiting from Ireland, traveled to the street after seeing news reports. She called the new environment a “better experience” for shoppers. She acknowledged that surrounding streets would likely become busier but felt the trade-off was worth it for the retail space.

Local business owners have mixed early reactions. Abbas Shigival, who runs a souvenir kiosk at the start of the zone, said the morning was slightly busier than usual. He called the atmosphere “more pleasant” but noted it would take time to measure the full impact on his sales.

Transport for London is diverting many buses into neighboring roads. Claire Mann, the chief operating officer, said there remains “plenty of capacity for passengers.” She indicated that reliability should not suffer, though officials will monitor ridership data. She pointed to Bond Street and the Elizabeth Line as alternative ways for passengers to arrive.

Critics raised concerns about accessibility and local traffic. Ben McMullan, a taxi driver, said he got stuck in areas where he previously had clear access. He dropped off several customers who struggled with the lack of direct vehicle access, including a mother with a pram. McMullan feared the change would reduce his business as passengers realized they could not reach their destinations by car.

Cyclists also faced restrictions. Jack, a construction worker, was stopped by security guards while riding home. He said an alternative route would lengthen his commute. He argued that low-traffic neighborhoods already make it difficult for people with vehicles, and he planned to ride down the street regardless of the rules.