By Ahmed Abdelsalam
A significant portion of London's iconic Oxford Street has been officially pedestrianized, marking a permanent shift toward a vehicle-free environment. The transformation covers nearly half of the 1.2-mile high street, with a stretch of approximately 0.6 miles between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street now closed to general traffic.
Scope of the Traffic Ban
Effective from October 26, the pedestrian zone extends from the Selfridges department store to Ikea, encompassing major retailers such as John Lewis. The restriction is in place daily from 7 am until midnight. Consequently, all commercial deliveries must now be scheduled outside of these operating hours. To facilitate this, buses, taxis, and bicycles are being diverted to nearby roads.
Project Vision and Costs
The transformation project is estimated to cost approximately £150 million, a figure that includes essential highway modifications. London Mayor Sadiq Khan noted that the initiative aims to turn the world-famous shopping destination into a hub for world-class sporting, cultural, and fashion events, alongside new retail and leisure experiences.
Public Transport and Accessibility
Transport for London (TfL) has implemented several diversions to accommodate the changes. Bus routes including 98, 139, 390, N98, and N207 will utilize new stops on Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place, and Cavendish Place, while others like the 7 and 94 will terminate near Marble Arch. New bus stops are positioned roughly 200 meters from the street, with taxi ranks located within 100 meters. While most vehicles are banned, mobility scooters remain permitted, and emergency services will maintain access via cross streets.
Future Enhancements and Safety
The project includes safety upgrades such as fixed barriers at crossing points, enhanced street lighting, and updated CCTV coverage. Looking ahead to spring 2027, plans involve the installation of 50 new trees and over 100 new seats. Additionally, parts of the road surface will be raised to create public squares intended for community events.
