London Mayor Closes Oxford Street Section to All Vehicles

Oxford Street in London has lost its traffic on a key central stretch.

Starting Monday, an almost 1 kilometer section between the Selfridges and IKEA stores is closed to buses, cars, taxis, bicycles, scooters, and pedicabs. Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the change in a statement from his office.

The closure marks the first phase of a major regeneration project. City leaders aim to restore Oxford Street to its status as a top global shopping destination, comparable to New York's Times Square, Paris' Champs-Élysées, and Barcelona's La Rambla. Khan noted the effort has taken more than two decades to finalize.

The street has faced declining foot traffic since the pandemic, with some shoppers deterred by the arrival of American candy stores. While Oxford Street still draws around half a million visitors daily, major retailers such as House of Fraser and Topshop have closed in recent years. Khan described the area as neglected before the change.

Housing minister Angela Rayner called the move a new chapter for the capital. She said the project will support businesses, create jobs, and attract investment. Construction work will remain minimal before the Christmas shopping season.

For 2027, plans include planting more than 50 new trees, installing 100 new seats, and building two public squares. The city will also add rest areas and improve signage and lighting along the route.