Oxford Street pedestrianisation: £150m scheme faces early challenges
One week into the transformation of the shopping street, concerns remain over cyclists and journey times.
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The headline is lively but the article provides a balanced overview of the pedestrianisation's first week.
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One week after the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, transport officials have described the initial response as "phenomenal". The transformation covers nearly 1km of the street, stretching between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. The project, initiated by the mayor's Oxford Street Development Corporation, is expected to cost £150m in total.
Improvements and ongoing issues
Oxford Street section pedestrianised from Monday
A nearly kilometre-long stretch of the busy shopping street is now closed to most vehicles.
Supporters of the scheme, including some shoppers and businesses reporting increased footfall, view issues such as continued cycle use as temporary problems. Helen Cansick, head of investment planning at Transport for London (TfL), stated that this marked "the first week of a very long programme of investment and transformation". She added that by spring, the area would feature 50 new trees and additional seating, with further improvements to road surfaces planned over time.
London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, called the October 26 launch a "momentous day for London", framing the changes as the first phase in efforts to address the street's perceived decline. Many visitors have welcomed the pedestrianisation, reporting the street feels safer and more pleasant without traffic. However, concerns persist regarding cyclists still using the street, with limited visible enforcement observed.
A TfL spokesperson confirmed that riders are "obliged to follow the rules" and that the organisation is working with hire and delivery companies to reinforce this. TfL is also collaborating with e-bike hire companies to enforce strict geo-fencing within the pedestrianised zone. This measure is designed to reduce or cut power to e-bikes entering the area, requiring riders to dismount.
Fatal incident on Cannon Street tracks disrupts District, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines
A person died at Cannon Street Underground station on 28 October, prompting partial line closures and severe evening‑rush delays across central London.
Criticisms and wider impacts
Critics have raised concerns about the broader impact on journeys through the West End. Michael Bolt, from the Marylebone Association, told BBC London that bus users have already experienced increased interchange times due to route changes, and now face longer overall journey times through the area. Westminster Council's deputy leader, Tim Barnes, noted the challenge of identifying safe, continuous alternative routes for cyclists, particularly given Oxford Street's historical role as a primary east-west route.
Mr Barnes stated that "every journey time is going to be longer as a result of that." He highlighted that buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles are all experiencing increased travel durations. The Mayor's Office has indicated that the scheme will undergo continuous review and refinement, with significant further works scheduled to commence in spring.
Questions this report answers
+What is the cost of the Oxford Street pedestrianisation project?
The completed project is expected to cost £150m. This figure covers the highway changes and other improvements planned for the street.
+What measures are being taken to stop cyclists on Oxford Street?
Transport for London (TfL) is working with e-bike hire companies to enforce geo-fencing in the pedestrianised zone. This technology aims to reduce power to e-bikes entering the area, requiring riders to walk them.
+What are the main criticisms of the pedestrianisation scheme?
Critics have raised concerns about increased journey times for buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles. There are also ongoing issues with cyclists continuing to use the pedestrianised section of the street.
+When will further improvements to Oxford Street be completed?
The scheme is expected to see 50 new trees and more seating by spring. Further major works are also planned to begin from spring onwards.
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