A one-kilometre segment of Oxford Street, spanning from Selfridges to near Ikea on Great Portland Street, was closed to all motor vehicles and cyclists on October 26, marking the first day of a permanent pedestrianisation project. The move, aimed at prioritizing foot traffic on one of London’s busiest retail thoroughfares, has sparked mixed reactions and noticeable disruption in adjacent areas.
Despite the restrictions, numerous cyclists were observed riding through the pedestrian zone, navigating through crowded shoppers and occasionally using pavements. Police and security personnel stationed throughout the area intervened frequently, instructing cyclists to dismount or use alternative routes. While some complied immediately, others continued cautiously alongside pedestrians or diverted onto side streets. A cargo bike rider was permitted to proceed through a barrier after interactions with pedestrians slowed his progress.
Several cyclists interviewed indicated a lack of clarity about the new regulations. Claudio Moqueira, attempting to cycle along Oxford Street, said he was aware of bus route changes but did not understand that bikes were entirely banned. Another commuter, Lachlan O’Driscoll, expressed surprise that the closure was permanent, adding he would need to alter his usual route.
The pedestrianisation requires the rerouting or early termination of ten bus routes, many of which have been diverted onto nearby streets such as Wigmore Street. This has led to increased traffic congestion and delays in those areas. Rohun Davda, manager of Wigmore Sports, reported heightened bus traffic compounded by delivery vans and taxis obstructing roadways, which in turn impaired traffic flow. Local residents have also expressed frustration with changes in traffic patterns. Mehlaqa Khan, a periodontist working in the vicinity, noted concerns about traffic delays impacting appointment times, while resident Anna Tereshchenko found access to her home more difficult due to changes making nearby streets one-way.
Some micromobility operators, including Forest, Lime, and Voi, have implemented geofencing technology that disables electric bike motors within the pedestrianised zone to enforce compliance.
Community groups bordering Oxford Street have voiced apprehension about the displacement of traffic and pollution into their neighborhoods. The Marylebone Association criticized the measure for transferring congestion from Oxford Street to surrounding residential streets, arguing that the long-term effect on the wider West End remains uncertain. Similarly, the Soho Society highlighted that rerouting multiple bus services to narrower roads shared with other vehicles will likely slow public transport and lengthen travel times.
Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has championed the vision of a pedestrian-friendly Oxford Street for over a decade, described the project as a “proof of concept” to demonstrate the benefits of investing in pedestrian spaces over vehicular traffic. He underscored the street’s importance to London’s economy, stating the aim is to boost footfall and economic activity in a tired and under-invested area.
Transport for London (TfL) has enhanced signage and safety barriers to dissuade cycling and e-scooter usage in the pedestrian zone. Additional enforcement officers have been deployed alongside New West End Company security staff to monitor compliance during the initial weeks. A TfL spokesperson confirmed collaboration with dockless hire and delivery companies to communicate the new rules and stated ongoing monitoring will continue.
The London Cycling Campaign criticized Westminster council for not introducing adequate parallel cycle routes in time to accommodate displaced cyclists. Although some traffic is permitted to cross Oxford Street at junctions like Regent Street, the closure has inevitably shifted traffic flows, contributing to congestion on streets such as Wigmore and Welbeck.
As the scheme enters its early days, attention is focused on its broader impacts on transport patterns, local businesses, and residents in the surrounding areas of central London.