Oxford Street goes traffic-free: London’s most famous shopping street enters a new era

Oxford Street has begun its most significant transformation in decades, with almost a kilometre of the central London shopping street permanently closed to through traffic. From Monday, cars, buses, taxis and bicycles are barred from the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, freeing up roughly half of the 1.2-mile retail artery for pedestrians.

The move is the first phase of a broader plan to regenerate Oxford Street as a more attractive, accessible and globally competitive retail destination. The street remains open to north–south traffic at key junctions, while buses have been diverted to nearby roads; deliveries will be permitted overnight, between midnight and 7am.

A “welcome initiative” for retail

Industry figures have welcomed the change, arguing that removing traffic could restore Oxford Street’s appeal at a time when consumers have more retail options than ever.

Dan Parr, Senior Vice President at CACI and Chair of Revo, the membership organisation representing more than 6,300 retail and leisure locations across the UK, told FashionUnited the pedestrianisation is “a very welcome initiative that will make one of the most famous shopping streets in the world easier to enjoy.”

“That can only be a good thing as it will ultimately increase footfall and spend for businesses in the area,” he said.

Parr framed the decision as part of a wider need for retail destinations to evolve. “Retail and leisure destinations need to make bold decisions like this to ensure they remain relevant and appealing to consumers in an age of almost limitless choice,” he said. “By becoming traffic-free, Oxford Street has levelled the playing field with the other great locations in the capital, creating a better place and experience, and reprioritising the location as a ‘must have’ for brands on a global scale.”

He also praised the collaboration behind the project. “That the various stakeholders have worked together so effectively to overcome some major challenges to make this happen is also to be applauded, and serves as a great example to high streets, towns and cities across the UK as to what is possible,” Parr added.

Retailers see room to browse

For retailers with flagship stores on the street, the immediate hope is that a calmer, more spacious environment will encourage shoppers to linger.

A John Lewis spokesperson said: “We welcome the Mayor’s plans for the regeneration and pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, where John Lewis has been a key retailer for over 160 years. We continue to invest in our flagship store — for example, our recently launched Platter restaurant and brand new Sport and Wellness department — and believe pedestrianisation will create a vibrant, thriving shopping environment enhancing the area’s appeal as a top retail destination.”

Footwear brand ECCO echoed that view, positioning the change as an opportunity to create a more experiential shopping journey.

Neal Taylor, Chief Commercial Officer of ECCO, said: “We see the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street as a positive development and an opportunity to make the area a more attractive place to visit and shop. Comfort is at the heart of what we do, and the best way to understand our shoes is to come in and try them on, so a street where people have more space and time to browse suits us well.”

Taylor acknowledged that the transition will require practical adjustments. “We’d hope that this encourages people to spend more time on Oxford Street and has a positive impact on footfall, and we are aware that there will of course be practical considerations as the plans develop, particularly around access and day-to-day operations, so we’ll be following the development closely and adapting where needed,” he said.

What changes on the ground

The traffic-free zone covers the section of Oxford Street that includes major retail anchors such as Selfridges, John Lewis and the new IKEA. Emergency services will retain access via cross-streets, and accessible crossings, nearby bus stops, taxi ranks and disabled parking provisions form part of the transitional arrangements.

The current layout is intended as a temporary “transitional scheme,” allowing the Mayor of London and Transport for London to test the traffic-free environment before finalising the permanent design.

By spring 2027, the first phase is expected to bring more than 50 new trees, two public squares, over 100 seats and dining tables, improved lighting and signage, and sections of road raised to pavement level.

Oxford Street has long been one of the UK’s most recognisable retail destinations, but it has also faced criticism for congestion, pollution, traffic-dominated public space and uneven retail experience. The pedestrianisation is intended to address those issues while reinforcing the street’s position against global competitors.

If successful, the scheme could strengthen Oxford Street’s appeal to international brands, encourage longer visits and support higher spending.