The Mayor of London's traffic-free vision for Oxford Street will become a reality on Monday, October 26, with cars, buses, and taxis banned from a central section of the shopping street. The vehicle-free zone will stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, with traffic diversions beginning on the evening of Sunday, October 25.
This historic transformation follows significant political negotiation among key stakeholders. Despite disagreements, the pedestrianisation plan has been confirmed, marking a major shift for one of London's busiest retail destinations.
Traffic-Free Zone Boundaries and Access
The vehicle-free section will begin just before Selfridges on the west side and continue to Urban Outfitters on the east side. Both Bond Street and Oxford Circus Underground stations fall within the traffic-free area, as do John Lewis, Ikea, and the Twist Museum.
From Monday, cars, buses, and taxis will no longer be permitted on this stretch. Emergency vehicles and mobility scooters will retain access at all times. Cyclists, however, will also be banned from the pedestrianised section.
Several north-south streets will remain open to traffic as crossings of the newly pedestrianised road. These include Orchard Street/North Audley Street, Duke Street, Stratford Place/Davies Street, Vere Street/New Bond Street, Holles Street/Harewood Place, Regent Street, and Great Portland Street.
Bus Route Changes and Diversions
Bus route changes begin on Saturday, October 24. From 1am, routes 7, N7, 94, N113, and N137 will terminate at Marble Arch. Minor changes, including bus stop adjustments, will affect routes 2, 13, 73, 74, 113, 159, 189, 274, N2, N8, N15, N73, N74, N25, N109, and N136.
From 8pm on Sunday, October 25, buses will no longer travel along Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. Routes 98, 139, 390, N98, and N207 will be rerouted onto Wigmore Street, Henriette Place, and Cavendish Place, serving new stops there.
Getting to Oxford Street After Pedestrianisation
Many visitors will find their usual routes unaffected. Public transport remains the easiest option, with Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, and Marble Arch Tube stations nearby. Only Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road offer step-free access.
Transport for London states that alternative bus stops will be located approximately 200 meters from the traffic-free zone. Taxi ranks will be positioned within 100 meters, on Oxford Street, Duke Street, and Great Portland Street.
The changes aim to reduce congestion and improve the environment for pedestrians on one of London's most famous shopping streets, with the full impact expected to be felt from Monday morning.
