Oxford Street: why it is being pedestrianised and what comes next

Oxford Street is being pedestrianised — but it is not a sudden move, it is part of a big plan by the Mayor of London. Here is why it is happening, who is behind it and what comes next.

What has already changed for cars and buses is in our separate piece: Oxford Street closed to traffic.

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Why it is being done

Oxford Street is one of Europe's best-known shopping streets, but after the pandemic and the rise of online shopping it has struggled. The Mayor wants to turn it into a modern, green public space for shopping, leisure and events, rather than a through-route full of traffic.

Which section

It is the western part — between Great Portland Street and Orchard Street ('Oxford Street West'). That is where traffic is being removed.

Who is behind it

The project is led by a purpose-built body, the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC). It is part of the GLA, established on 1 January 2026 at the Mayor's request, with its own board and an appointed chief executive. The road and traffic changes are delivered by Transport for London (TfL).

What the consultations showed

The idea was put to residents and businesses. The 2025 consultation on creating the corporation drew over 6,000 responses, with about 70% of those who gave a view backing it and two-thirds supporting pedestrianisation. A separate traffic consultation closed on 16 January 2026 (2,716 responses); views on the road changes were mixed, but supporters outnumbered objectors.

What comes next

First a temporary public-realm scheme after the street is closed to traffic, then a permanent design: greenery, seating and space for events. The permanent design is being developed in stages (reaching concept design by November 2027). The familiar shopping street will gradually become a public space.

Source: the Oxford Street Transformation programme and the Mayor's decision MD3475 (GLA). Checked 27 October 2026.