London authorities close traffic on Oxford Street: Britain’s busiest shopping street becomes pedestrian-only

Almost one kilometer of Oxford Street, Britain’s busiest shopping street, was permanently closed to road traffic in London on Monday. The section between the Selfridges and IKEA stores has become exclusively pedestrian, as the first stage of a major urban regeneration and commercial revival project.

Access for buses, cars, taxis, bicycles, scooters and pedal-powered passenger vehicles has been banned, according to the office of Mayor Sadiq Khan. The mayor says the measure will help create jobs, attract investment and stimulate London’s economy.

The project, which has been in preparation for more than two decades, aims to restore Oxford Street’s status among the world’s leading shopping destinations, alongside Times Square, the Champs-Élysées and La Rambla. The street attracts approximately 500,000 visitors daily, but has lost some of its appeal since the COVID-19 pandemic, amid the closure of major stores and the emergence of numerous American candy shops.

The transformation will continue in 2027, with the planting of more than 50 trees, the installation of 100 benches and the creation of two public squares, rest areas, an improved lighting system and wayfinding signs. Work will be limited ahead of the Christmas season to protect retailers’ business.