London pedestrianizes a section of Oxford Street

As of October 26, 2026, London has officially transformed a one-kilometer stretch of the iconic Oxford Street into a pedestrian-only zone. This historic urban renewal project prohibits all buses, taxis, private vehicles, and bicycles from the area, with the exception of delivery vehicles which are permitted to access the street only between midnight and 7 a.m. The initiative, championed by Mayor Sadiq Khan as a monumental opportunity for the capital, aims to revitalize the global commercial hub, which hosts approximately 500,000 visitors daily and generates an annual turnover of roughly 3.1 billion pounds (4.1 billion dollars).

Beyond traffic restrictions, the renewal plan includes the addition of extensive greenery, new public squares, and designated dining areas to modernize the shopping district. The pedestrianization is timed to coincide with the upcoming Christmas shopping season to improve the overall visitor experience. Authorities intend for this change to permanently reshape the city's urban landscape, effectively ending the street's long-standing role as a major vehicle artery.