Oxford Street to close to traffic from October 2026

The Mayor of London has announced that a 1km stretch of Oxford Street, from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, will be closed to vehicle traffic from 26 October 2026. The decision has prompted criticism from Westminster City Council, which has voiced concerns about the practical implications of the pedestrianisation scheme.

Council raises concerns over practicalities

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Westminster City Council has criticised the Mayor's announcement, citing a range of issues including access for essential services, potential increases in air pollution, challenges with street cleaning, and implications for public safety. The council stated that it, along with residents and businesses, has a significant number of unanswered questions about how the pedestrianisation will operate effectively.

Cllr Tim Barnes, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council and Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that while a timetable is now in place, the council needs urgent answers on these points. He warned that the current plans risk creating negative consequences for nearby streets, potentially causing economic and environmental harm due to displaced traffic. The council has communicated these concerns to the Oxford Street Development Corporation.

Mayor's vision for Oxford Street

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The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, stated that the pedestrianisation is intended to help revitalise and re-energise Oxford Street, which he believes has suffered from 'managed decline'. He expressed confidence that making the street traffic-free from October 26 will initiate a transformation, leading to increased retail, leisure, visitor numbers, and tourism. The Mayor also suggested that the council's opposition is hindering efforts to improve the street.

Sir Sadiq Khan told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he would be a 'decent custodian' of Oxford Street, implying the council had not fulfilled this role. He indicated that since his announcement about pedestrianisation, there has been a notable increase in interest from quality retailers looking to establish a presence on Oxford Street.

Previous challenges and future steps

The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street has been a point of disagreement between the Mayor's office and the Conservative-led Westminster City Council. While previous attempts by the council to legally challenge the Mayor's plans have not prevented the scheme from proceeding, scepticism remains. Andrew Boff, a Conservative London Assembly Member, has also raised concerns, urging the Mayor to ensure adequate support for all stakeholders, particularly disabled Londoners, before the changes are implemented.