LONDON, October 26, 2026 — Almost one kilometre of Oxford Street has become traffic-free as London introduces a major pedestrianisation scheme, removing buses, taxis, cars and bicycles from one of Britain’s busiest shopping streets ahead of the Christmas shopping season.
The restrictions cover Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, including Oxford Circus. Traffic diversions began on Sunday evening, October 25, with the new arrangements taking effect on Monday.
Transport for London has confirmed the introduction of Oxford Street’s traffic-free zone. Bus diversions began on October 24 and 25, with vehicles redirected away from the central shopping street.
Routes 7, N7, 94, N113 and N137 now terminate at Marble Arch, while routes 98, 139, 390, N98 and N207 use alternative roads. Mobility scooters and emergency vehicles retain access, and approved deliveries are permitted overnight.
🚨 NEW: Oxford Street is now officially pedestrianised https://t.co/ba7F1jMubY
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) October 25, 2026
🚨 NEW: Oxford Street will officially be pedestrianised from Monday 26 October pic.twitter.com/5X6Oj4PJUl
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) September 28, 2026
Oxford Street Traffic-Free Rules Now in Effect
The new restrictions apply daily from 7am until midnight. Cars, buses, black cabs, private-hire vehicles, bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters and pedicabs are prohibited from travelling through the pedestrianised section.
Emergency vehicles and mobility scooters remain exempt. Approved freight and servicing vehicles can enter using designated routes between midnight and 7am, allowing businesses to receive deliveries and arrange waste collections.
Transport authorities say the changes are intended to create more space for pedestrians and improve the shopping experience. The initial layout is temporary, with further improvements planned after feedback from businesses, residents and accessibility groups.
Oxford Street Bus Diversions: Routes and Stops Changed
Bus passengers face significant changes following the introduction of the pedestrian zone.
- Routes 7, N7, 94, N113 and N137: Now terminate at Marble Arch following changes introduced on October 24.
- Routes 98, 139, 390, N98 and N207: Diverted from October 25 via surrounding roads, including Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place.
- Other routes: Services including 2, 13, 73, 74, 113, 159, 189 and 274 have also experienced stop or route adjustments.
Alternative bus stops are approximately 200 metres from the traffic-free area. TfL has also warned that some existing bus route maps may be inaccurate while updates are made.
Passengers should check TfL’s official Oxford Street travel updates before setting out.
Taxi Access, Road Crossings and Underground Services
Black cabs and private-hire vehicles cannot enter the restricted section, although taxi ranks remain available within approximately 100 metres, including locations near Orchard Street, Duke Street and Great Portland Street.
Several north-south crossings remain open, including Regent Street, Duke Street, Stratford Place/Davies Street, Vere Street/New Bond Street and Holles Street/Harewood Place.
Nearby Underground and Elizabeth line stations include Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road and Marble Arch. Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road provide step-free access.
For wider travel disruption affecting central London, see our coverage of the Victoria line disruption and its impact on London commuters.
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Sadiq Khan Welcomes Oxford Street Transformation
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has described the pedestrianisation as a major milestone for the capital, arguing that the transformation will support businesses, attract investment and make the West End more appealing to visitors.
Oxford Street attracts around 500,000 visitors daily and generates approximately £3.1 billion in annual spending, according to figures reported by PA.
Retailers including Selfridges and John Lewis have welcomed the project, which is intended to strengthen Oxford Street’s position as an international shopping destination.
Westminster Warns of Congestion and Accessibility Problems
Westminster City Council has raised concerns about traffic displacement, pollution, public safety, street cleaning and access for disabled people.
Deputy council leader Tim Barnes has questioned whether preparations have been sufficient, warning that diverted traffic could create problems on surrounding streets.
Transport for London says traffic conditions and accessibility will be monitored as the scheme develops. Temporary pedestrian routes and alternative transport access arrangements are being introduced during construction.
More Than 50 Trees and Two Public Squares Planned for 2027
The October closure marks the first stage of a longer transformation rather than the completion of a permanent pedestrian plaza.
By the end of spring 2027, the transitional scheme is expected to include more than 50 trees, two new public squares, over 100 seats, dining tables, improved lighting and clearer signage.
Construction will be limited during the Christmas shopping period to reduce disruption. Feedback collected during the temporary phase will help determine the final design.
The project follows years of debate over the future of the shopping district. Swikblog previously reported on the Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans and proposed vehicle restrictions.
For shoppers, the immediate change is a largely vehicle-free central Oxford Street. For commuters, businesses and nearby residents, the coming weeks will test whether London’s revised bus services, delivery arrangements and surrounding roads can accommodate the changes during the busy Christmas season.
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