Overview
- The pedestrian zone came into force on Monday and covers roughly 1 kilometre from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, blocking buses, taxis, private cars, cycles, e‑scooters and pedicabs.
- Transport for London has rerouted bus services to nearby Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place with new stops about 100–200 metres from the traffic‑free area.
- Delivery and service vehicles are allowed only in designated overnight windows, emergency vehicles retain access at all times, and enforcement officers have been deployed where early rule‑breaking by cyclists was reported.
- Major retailers and business groups including John Lewis and Selfridges back the plan as a way to boost visits and jobs, while Westminster councillors and residents warn the change could push congestion, pollution and access problems onto neighbouring streets.
- The closure is the first, transitional phase of a roughly £150m Oxford Street regeneration managed by the OSDC that plans more than 50 trees, two public squares and over 100 seats by spring 2027 as authorities gather data to adjust the scheme.