London's Oxford Street Closes to Traffic in Revitalization Effort
Nearly a kilometer of the renowned shopping street is now car-free as part of a plan to restore its appeal.
London's Oxford Street is now closed to cars, buses, and bicycles, marking a significant step in a plan to revitalize the city's prominent shopping thoroughfare. The decision, effective Monday, aims to reverse a decline in the street's allure, which has seen an increase in souvenir shops and candy stores.
Approximately one kilometer of Oxford Street, stretching between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, will be entirely traffic-free. Vehicles will be rerouted to surrounding roads as part of a broader makeover that includes plans for new trees, seating areas, and two public squares. Despite the changes, Oxford Street continues to attract about half a million visitors daily, with shoppers frequenting major retailers like Selfridges, Zara, and John Lewis.
City officials hope that pedestrianizing the street will elevate it to the status of other global shopping destinations such as Times Square in New York, the Champs-Élysées in Paris, and La Rambla in Barcelona. "This is a momentous day for London, a momentous day for Oxford Street. It’s a new era," London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated.
The concept of pedestrianizing Oxford Street was discussed for over a decade, but gained traction in the last two years with the establishment of the Oxford Street Development Corporation. This initiative helped address opposition from local residents concerned about increased traffic in their neighborhoods due to diversions. A subsequent public consultation indicated that removing traffic would boost the number of new shops and visitors, enhancing Oxford Street's reputation as an "iconic destination."
The opening of the Elizabeth train line, which passes through the city center with a stop directly on Oxford Street, also provided momentum for the project. "There has been talk of pedestrianizing Oxford Street for decades," Khan added. "After so many false dawns and now working with a government who share the scale of my ambition, I’m proud that we’re finally unlocking a new era for the street.”