Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans have been unveiled in a move that could see London’s iconic shopping destination transformed from IKEA in the east to Selfridges in the west. As part of this Oxford Street pedestrianisation project, the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) have launched an eight-week public consultation, running until 16 January 2026, for the first phase of the scheme.
The Oxford Street pedestrianisation proposal would ban all private vehicles, buses, taxis, and cycles from the key stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, making way for new plazas, wider pavements, and a safer environment for shoppers and visitors. While general traffic is already restricted during the day, the plan would establish an all-day car-free zone as part of the Oxford Street pedestrianisation initiative. Emergency services would retain full access at all times, and servicing vehicles would be allowed entry only overnight from midnight to 7am.
To support Oxford Street pedestrianisation, buses that currently run the length of the street would be rerouted via Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place, with new accessible bus stops and shelters along the new routes. TfL estimates these changes will add no more than a minute to journey times. Taxi ranks, drop-off points, and Blue Badge parking bays will be positioned as close as possible to the pedestrian area, while TfL and Westminster City Council are working together to maximise accessibility.
Public reaction and early results from Oxford Street pedestrianisation
Although cycling won’t be allowed on the pedestrianised stretch, the Oxford Street pedestrianisation plan includes upgrading nearby cycle routes, with more details to be announced soon. Some north-south traffic will still be able to cross Oxford Street at key points, and traffic will continue to flow through Regent Street at Oxford Circus, resulting in a series of broad public spaces split by crossing roads.
A trial “traffic-free day” on 21 September 2025 already showed strong support for Oxford Street pedestrianisation, with footfall 45% higher than the previous week and most shops reporting typical or above-average sales.
If supported, Oxford Street pedestrianisation works could begin in the second half of 2026. The transformation would start with revamping bus routes before Oxford Street itself becomes fully pedestrianised and is redesigned into a flagship high street for all.
To take part in the consultation and share your view on Oxford Street pedestrianisation, visit: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/oxford-street-transport-highways
Make Oxford St like it used to be before TFL widened the pavements in a “temporary” measure during covid ? What i mean is give the road back to buses only making sure they can actually pass each other not like it is at the moment ? People need to be aware of traffic instead of burying their faces into their phones or looking the wrong way before crossing & it’s all common sense ? If you pedestrianise Oxford St then you’re just shifting any traffic problems onto already congested roads eg Wigmore St & the like which already spend large parts of the day nose to tail with traffic ? You’re also then, no doubt, going to interefere with the bus routes that at present run along Oxford St thus hindering people further from getting from say Marble Arch/Victoria to Oxford Circus & TCR ?