Oxford Street Goes Traffic-Free to Revive Shopping Hub
Almost 1km of Oxford Street closed to all vehicles on Monday. The closure runs between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.
- £150m is the cost of the scheme.
- 7am to midnight daily, the stretch is closed to all traffic.
- Midnight to 7am is the delivery window; emergency services keep full access.
- Bus routes 7, 98 and 390 now run along parallel Wigmore Street.
Why it matters: Khan says the change will boost jobs and growth and attract visitors. The street generates about £3.1 billion in annual spending.
- Central government backing let Khan override objections from the local council.
- Westminster deputy leader Tim Barnes warned traffic will be pushed onto small nearby streets.
How 5 sources split on this story
Where they split: Supporters say the closure will revive the street, while Westminster council leaders say it is rushed and will move congestion elsewhere.
Left coverage, 2 sources: The left frames the closure as a long-awaited milestone for Khan and asks how it will work in practice.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right frames it as a controversial Khan plan that critics fear will become an unmanaged mess.
What’s next: Minimal construction is planned before Christmas. More than 50 trees, 100 seats and two squares follow by spring 2027.
- Officials call this the first phase; extending it depends on results.
- Will diverted traffic raise congestion and pollution on surrounding streets?
- Will the closure raise spending and visitor numbers on Oxford Street?
