The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street has officially come into force, with the section between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street now closed to private motorised vehicles, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs.
The measure, which took effect on Monday October 26, 2026, was introduced under Mayor of London Lord Sadiq Khan. The move aims to transform one of the capital's busiest shopping streets into a pedestrian-friendly zone.
Mayor attends as ban begins
Lord Khan was pictured at Oxford Street as the new restrictions came into operation. The closure applies to a defined stretch of the street, targeting a range of transport modes including private cars, public transport and micromobility vehicles.
Photographs from the scene, credited to Stefan Rousseau of the Press Association, show the mayor at the location on the first day of the new traffic arrangements.
Impact on street users
The ban covers a wide category of vehicles, meaning that only pedestrians will be permitted on this section of Oxford Street. The change is expected to alter how shoppers and commuters navigate the area, with alternative routes required for affected transport services.
The pedestrianisation is part of a broader effort to reduce traffic and improve the environment in central London, with the full effects on local businesses and transport networks set to emerge in the coming weeks.
