London is on the cusp of a significant transformation as the Mayor pushes ahead with plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, one of the city’s busiest shopping thoroughfares. A recent trial saw the road cleared of all vehicles for a day, testing the feasibility of creating a car-free zone along a 0.7-mile stretch from Oxford Circus to Marble Arch, with the potential for further extensions towards Tottenham Court Road. This ambitious vision aims to turn the area into a vibrant pedestrian-friendly space, but it has elicited a range of responses, from optimism about its benefits to concerns over potential disruptions.

Oxford Street attracts around half a million visitors daily and is renowned for its heavy congestion, mixing throngs of shoppers with slow-moving buses and a worrying number of accidents. City Hall data reveals that between 2016 and 2024, there were 125 serious injuries and four fatalities due to traffic collisions on the street. Advocates of pedestrianisation argue that removing vehicles will create a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming environment. Tanya Braun, Director of External Affairs at Living Streets, highlighted that the street is “not a nice place for anyone to walk or wheel along” due to overcrowding and traffic, factors likely contributing to the accident rate. The Mayor’s plans also include ideas to reinvigorate Oxford Street with al fresco dining, outdoor events, and leisure activities, potentially boosting the local economy which has struggled due to the pandemic and rising online shopping trends.

This redevelopment ambition draws inspiration from successful car-free urban spaces worldwide, such as New York's Times Square and Barcelona's La Rambla. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, expressed determination to unlock Oxford Street’s "true potential" by creating a world-class, accessible, and greener street. The plans, backed by a public consultation where two-thirds supported pedestrianisation, intend to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) dedicated to managing the transformation. The consultation revealed strong local support from both residents and major retailers like Selfridges and John Lewis, all hoping to see Oxford Street revitalised and positioned as a global shopping and leisure destination.

Despite these ambitions, opposition remains strong, particularly from stakeholders concerned about traffic displacement and inadequate planning. Conservative Councillor Tim Barnes warned that traffic redirected from Oxford Street would congest surrounding narrow streets, increasing pollution and inconveniencing residents and businesses. Some opponents argue the plan relies too heavily on idealistic European models that may not translate to London’s specific context, noting that pollution levels on Oxford Street have already fallen significantly in recent years, with nitrogen dioxide levels well below legal limits as of recent measurements.

There are particular concerns about the impacts on disabled people who rely on accessible transport options. Advocacy groups stress the need for detailed plans addressing rerouting buses, taxis, and pick-up points to ensure inclusivity and functionality for all. Laura, a senior policy manager for Inclusion London, emphasised that the project must not disadvantage those who cannot easily walk long distances, and that consultation with disabled communities is crucial as the proposals develop.

The Mayor’s office has confirmed that Transport for London (TfL) became the highway authority for Oxford Street in September 2025, taking responsibility for road maintenance and pedestrian infrastructure, while Westminster City Council continues to manage street cleaning and refuse collection. The next steps include detailed traffic proposals and legislation work with the government to enable the changes, alongside ongoing consultations to refine community and business concerns. The ambition is to implement the pedestrianisation and broader street regeneration "as swiftly as possible," signalling a transformational shift not only for Oxford Street but also for London’s approach to urban spaces prioritising people over vehicles.

This evolving initiative reflects broader trends in urban planning, balancing environmental, economic, and social goals. While challenges and opposition remain, the prevailing momentum around pedestrianisation suggests London is poised to redefine one of its most iconic streets for future generations.

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Source: Noah Wire Services