Major Changes Ahead for Oxford Street Transport
London's iconic Oxford Street is set to undergo its most significant transformation in decades as plans for full pedestrianisation advance towards implementation. Transport for London has launched a crucial public consultation on proposals that would see all vehicles banned from the famous shopping street, fundamentally changing how people access the area.
The ambitious scheme, first announced by London Mayor Sadiq Khan back in 2017, could finally become reality with delivery potentially starting in the second half of 2026. This represents a major step forward for one of the capital's most prominent urban regeneration projects.
Which Bus Routes Are Affected?
The proposed changes will have substantial implications for public transport in central London. According to TfL's detailed plans, sixteen bus routes that currently travel along Oxford Street will need to be redirected. The comprehensive list of affected services includes:
Routes 7, 94, and 98 are among the most significantly impacted, requiring complete rerouting. Additionally, several other services that only use sections of the street will see adjustments to their paths, including the 22 and N22 from Putney Common, the 73 and N73 from Stoke Newington, and the N15 from Romford Market.
TfL has indicated that all buses currently serving Oxford Street would be redirected along Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place, creating new circulation patterns in the surrounding West End area.
What the Changes Mean for Commuters
Despite the extensive rerouting required, TfL has sought to reassure passengers that the impact on journey times will be minimal. The transport authority states that the difference in travel duration would be 'less than a minute' for most routes, suggesting careful planning has gone into the proposed diversions.
The pedestrianisation scheme goes beyond just removing buses. The plans call for a complete ban on all vehicles, including taxis and private hire vehicles. Even cycling would not be permitted on the pedestrianised section, though TfL promises to create new 'high-quality' cycle routes through the surrounding neighbourhoods to compensate.
It's worth noting that cars are already prohibited from Oxford Street between 7am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday, making the new proposals an extension of existing traffic restrictions rather than a completely new concept.
Have Your Say on London's Future
Mayor Sadiq Khan has enthusiastically endorsed the latest developments, stating: 'These new proposals map out the potential next steps with Transport for London to make our vision of a thriving, greener Oxford Street a reality. I encourage everyone to have their say on the proposals, which would transform Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.'
The public consultation represents a critical opportunity for Londoners and other stakeholders to shape the future of one of the world's most famous shopping destinations. TfL is actively seeking feedback on the traffic diversion plans before making final decisions.
The full list of bus routes affected by the Oxford Street pedestrianisation includes: 7, 94, 98, 139, 390, N7, 94, N98, N113, N137, 139, N207, 390, 22, N22, 73, N73, and N15.
