London Mayor Closes One Kilometer of Oxford Street to All Vehicular Traffic

An almost one-kilometer stretch of Oxford Street in London is permanently closed to buses, cars, taxis, cycles, scooters, and pedicabs as of Monday. The closure spans the section between the Selfridges and IKEA stores. The mayor's office announced the change to create a new public space and boost economic growth in the capital.

Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that the project aims to return Oxford Street to the ranks of top global shopping destinations. He cited New York's Times Square, Paris' Champs-Élysées, and Barcelona's La Rambla as comparable locations. Khan described the effort as the culmination of more than two decades of planning. He said he was proud to finally unlock a new era for the street after previous attempts had stalled.

The pedestrian zone is the initial stage of a broader transformation with minimal construction scheduled before the Christmas shopping period. Plans for 2027 include planting more than 50 new trees and installing 100 new seats. The city also intends to build two public squares, add rest areas, and improve signage and lighting along the route.

Oxford Street has faced challenges since the pandemic, with the arrival of American candy stores altering shopper behavior. Flagship stores including House of Fraser and Topshop have shut in recent years. Khan characterized the area as neglected prior to this intervention. The street currently attracts around half a million visitors daily, according to figures from the mayor's office.

Angela Rayner, the British minister for housing, communities, and local government, supported the move. She said the project creates a greener place to attract visitors and investment. Rayner noted that the changes will support local businesses and jobs while driving growth in the heart of London. The street remains connected to Bond Street and Regent Street and hosts major retailers such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Tiffany & Co.