London's Oxford Street will go vehicle-free from Monday, October 26, as the first phase of its pedestrianisation begins. A one-kilometre stretch of the famous shopping road will be closed to cars, buses, taxis and bicycles in what Transport for London (TfL) calls the 'transition phase'.
Which section is being pedestrianised?
In this first phase, vehicles will be banned between Orchard Street, where Selfridges is located, and Great Portland Street, just east of Oxford Circus Underground Station. The pedestrianisation includes Oxford Circus itself, where Oxford Street meets Regent Street.
All cars except emergency services and delivery trucks between 7am and midnight will be banned, and all bus services will be re-routed around the area. E-bikes and e-scooters will not be allowed through the new pedestrianised section, TfL has confirmed, with new cycleways under development.
Cars will still be able to cross Oxford Street at certain points, including Duke Street, Davies Street/Stratford Place, Holles Street, and New Bond Street/Vere Street, with all junctions but Davies Street/Stratford Place one-way.
Road works and new features
TfL has confirmed plans to raise the height of Oxford Street's road to meet the pavement. Two sections, between Orchard Street and Duke Street and between Old Cavendish Street and Holles Street, aim to be completed by spring 2027, with other sections to follow.
Around 50 new trees and more than 100 new seats will be installed along the pedestrianised area. Two new public squares will also be created, although their exact locations have yet to be revealed. TfL is also considering installing a new water feature, but details have not yet been confirmed.
How will bus routes change?
According to plans published by TfL, bus routes will be amended and will use new bus stops on Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place, and Cavendish Place. Routes 7, 94, 98, 139, 390, N7, N98, N113, N137, and N207 will all be redirected down Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place at the rear of John Lewis.
Buses will then rejoin Oxford Street at Great Titchfield Street on the other side of Oxford Circus, with the exception of route 139, which will continue on Regent Street. Passengers will need to walk an additional 100 to 200 metres to the new bus stops, and staff will be deployed near bus stops and on Oxford Street to help people.
