Buses and taxis are to be banned from Oxford Street for a traffic-free day ahead of the London mayor’s plans to introduce permanent pedestrianisation.
In an event run by the the mayor’s office called, This is Oxford Street, the street will be pedestrianised for one day on Sunday 21 September.
Earlier this summer mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced that plans for part-pedestrianisation of the shopping street by 2027 would go ahead after he had secured “North Korean” levels of support from Londoners for the initiative.
As reported by The Evening Standard, City Hall described the event as a “landmark”, and said the street going traffic-free from Orchard Street to Oxford Circus between midday and 8pm would “offer a glimpse of what Oxford Street could look like in the future”.
Sir Khan said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to see Oxford Street in a whole new light, traffic-free, full of music, great food, pop-ups and entertainment for everyone.
“As mayor, I’m determined to unlock Oxford Street’s true potential and deliver a world-class, accessible, clean, avenue.
“So add the date to your diary, it’s going to be a fantastic day out as we reimagine the West End for everyone. This Is Oxford Street – vibrant, thriving and back on the map.”
Retailers on the street are set to offer special deals for the occasion, as well as experiential events and installations like selfie spots and a “wellness zone” curated by Holland & Barrett.
Proposed long-term changes in the street include blocks of pedestrianisation, particularly in the eastern section between Oxford Circus and Great Portland Streetand the the western section between Oxford Circus and Selfridges.
The Oxford Circus junction is not set to be pedestrianised, with buses set to run north-south on Regent street. More detailed plans for the changes are set to undergo consultation later this year.
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