Oxford Street pedestrianisation to begin this summer

Oxford Street will be closed to traffic from the western end of Selfridges to beyond Ikea in Great Portland Street, mayor of London Sadiq Khan has confirmed.

Cars will be barred from this summer, while buses, taxis and bikes will be diverted later in the year.

A temporary public realm scheme will be implemented from “summer 2026” and a permanent scheme will follow a year later after consultation.

The likes of Ikea and Selfridges backed the plans although acknowledged that the new rules could create problems for deliveries. Deliveries will be allowed between midnight and 7am and bollards will control the flow of traffic.

Khan said: “I am delighted to be moving forward with my bold vision to transform Oxford Street into a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure and outdoor events.

“Following TfL’s detailed consultation, I’ve today made the decision to move ahead with these exciting changes to the nation’s high street. We will outline more details in the coming days, as we continue building a better more prosperous London for everyone.”

Last year, an initial consultation on the future of the street found that 66% of stakeholders were in favour of pedestrianising the street. A secondary consultation revealed that while most were still in favour of pedestrianisation, concerns were raised about traffic congestion in the surrounding area as well as accessibility concerns for disabled people. 

Despite developing its own plans for improvements to the street, Westminster City Council has historically pushed to maintain public transport access, however the council has said its priority is now to ensure the mayor’s transformation “works for local communities” while supporting the street’s economic future. 

Leader of Westminster City Council Adam Hug said: “Westminster council’s view on Oxford Street pedestrianisation is a matter of longstanding public record.

“Our role now is to ensure that the mayor’s Oxford Street transformation is made to work for local communities, as well as for London.

“Over the last 18 months we have secured a number of key improvements from the mayor of London’s original plans to ensure that the proposals for Oxford Street are more deliverable and better meet the needs of local residents, businesses and wider London.

“These include ensuring that Oxford Street East transformation will be delivered in with Westminster’s previous plans that retain bus access, and the council’s retention of strategic development funding.

“We will continue work pragmatically with the mayor’s team to ensure a bright future for the nation’s high street as well as for our residential communities and businesses.”

Chief executive of the New West End Company Dee Corsi said: “A comprehensive and considered transformation of Oxford Street – delivered in partnership with local businesses and communities – will enhance the area, bringing significant economic benefits to Londoners and the wider UK economy.”