World

Oxford Street Becomes Pedestrian‑Only Zone Amid Mixed Reactions

By Camille Nedelec

On Monday, the stretch of Oxford Street between Great Portland Street and Orchard Street was closed to all motorised traffic, creating a pedestrian‑only zone. The move follows a trial in October 2025 that saw two‑thirds of local businesses report sales that were higher or unchanged during the pedestrianisation. The Greater London Authority estimates that the partial closure could generate more than $109 million per year and support an additional 700 jobs. The 1‑kilometre (0.6‑mile) stretch of street accounts for about 1 percent of the UK’s annual GDP.

Retailers and campaigners say the change will boost footfall and improve the shopping experience. Mark Arbouine, a forensic scientist, noted that the absence of traffic made it easier to move around the street and that the environment was better. Barbara Stoll, a campaigner for greener cities, said the air felt cleaner and the noise level lower.

However, some residents and shoppers have expressed concerns. A French tourist said he would avoid Oxford Street if buses and taxis were no longer allowed. A shopper told Al Jazeera that people with disabilities who cannot walk long distances would be affected. Councillor Tim Barnes of Westminster said residents had not been adequately consulted and that the economic benefits were overstated, especially given the displacement of bus routes to smaller streets. Nerma Cridge, a resident, warned that the West End could become “completely unliveable, too crowded and too noisy at night”.

The pedestrianisation is part of a multi‑phase regeneration plan that will add two public squares, 50 trees and hundreds of public seats. The Oxford Street Development Corporation will review the results in the coming months and publish findings early next year. A permanent, traffic‑free public space for the rest of Oxford Street is expected to be completed by the end of next year, potentially becoming a key legacy project for Mayor Sadiq Khan ahead of the 2028 elections.