Sadiq Khan's plan to transform Oxford Street into a pedestrian-only zone has faced immediate challenges, with reports of cyclists ignoring new regulations and contributing to traffic congestion on adjacent streets.
Just days after the scheme's launch on Monday, videos emerged showing scores of cyclists riding through the pedestrianized zone, weaving among shoppers. Security guards were observed attempting to enforce the rules, but with limited success. The area, previously a major thoroughfare for vehicles, is now blocked to cars, buses, and taxis, with bollards installed at either end of the 0.9km stretch between Selfridges and Ikea.
Black cab drivers have voiced concerns about the impact of the changes. Bahrain Mujagata, identified as one of London's youngest black cab drivers, reported that surrounding roads, such as Regent Street, have become significantly more congested. He noted that journeys that were previously manageable are now taking an additional 20 minutes.
"Sitting through traffic that I used to bypass makes life much harder," Mujagata told the Local Democracy Service. He added that while he is not opposed to pedestrianization in principle, he believes Khan's implementation has created difficulties.
Concerns about traffic diversion had been raised by Westminster City Council prior to the scheme's implementation. Councillor Tim Barnes of Westminster City Council stated that rerouting traffic from Oxford Street to smaller side roads was always likely to cause problems. He cited instances of traffic backing up on Regent Street, with large vehicles struggling to maneuver, and noted potential difficulties for buses making sharp turns onto streets like Wigmore Street.
Transport for London has confirmed that five bus routes have been redirected onto surrounding roads, with new stops introduced. Other services have been altered or shortened. The changes affect approximately 500,000 daily visitors to Oxford Street, one of Britain's most famous shopping destinations.
The vision presented for the pedestrianized Oxford Street, with glossy digital artwork depicting shoppers enjoying green spaces, contrasts sharply with the initial reality of cyclists navigating the area and increased traffic on neighboring streets. Residents in nearby areas, such as Marylebone, had previously expressed fears that their streets would become conduits for diverted traffic and pollution.