London's Oxford Street pedestrianised in 'truly momentous occasion for capital'

London's Oxford Street is now traffic-free, with mayor Sadiq Khan hailing it "a truly momentous occasion for the capital".

Almost 1km of the street, between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, will be traffic-free.

Buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, private motorised vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs can no longer enter and will be diverted into nearby roads.

Deliveries can be made from midnight to 7am, while emergency services will have access to the street - which is one of the world's busiest shopping areas with around half a million visitors each day - at all times.

Describing it as "a new vibrant destination", Mr Khan said: "I'm hugely excited to see my bold vision for Oxford Street coming to life from today. It is a truly momentous occasion for the capital."

He added: "For centuries, Oxford Street has reinvented itself, adapting to changing times and helping shape British culture along the way.

"There has been talk of pedestrianising Oxford Street for decades. 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."

The mayor hopes it will pave the way for more experiences in the street, from sports to fashion to cultural events.

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He said: "Revitalising Oxford Street will boost jobs and economic growth in the capital, unlock the full potential of this key part of the West End and help build a better, greener and more prosperous London for everyone."

The move marks the first phase of a pedestrianisation and wider regeneration project aimed at putting Oxford Street among top global shopping destinations including Times Square, the Champs-Élysées and La Rambla.

Visitors to Oxford Street should see more than 50 new trees, two new public squares and better signage by the end of spring 2027.

More than 100 new seats, dining tables and new lighting are also to be installed.

Critics have said the scheme is too rushed and fears have been raised about diverted traffic increasing congestion.

The deputy leader of Westminster City Council believes Lord Khan is "rushing preparations".

Councillor Tim Barnes has previously said: "If this is going to be the 'greener, better and more prosperous' success that the mayor has promised, then issues around access, air pollution, street cleaning and public safety need answers urgently.

"Right now there's a danger that we will have all of the downsides and too little upside.

"Traffic will be pushed to the small streets nearby causing economic and environmental harm."

Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner said: "This marks an exciting new chapter for Oxford Street, creating a greener, more vibrant place that will attract visitors and investment, support businesses and jobs, and drive growth in the heart of our capital."

(c) Sky News 2026: London's Oxford Street pedestrianised in 'truly momentous occasion for capital'