Europe's busiest shopping street goes pedestrian-only

LONDON -- London's iconic shopping street, Oxford Street, is going traffic-free for the first time as it begins a phased pedestrianization on Monday. Nearly a kilometer of the busy high street will no longer allow bicycles, buses, cars, and taxis, instead opting for greenery and seating.

The revitalization plan, which turns the street into a pedestrian plaza, will test new opportunities for the famous street which brings an estimated £25 billion , or about $33 billion, annually to London's economy, according to city officials. "Revitalising Oxford Street will help to super-charge regeneration, boosting jobs and economic growth in the capital and beyond," Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said, "as we continue building a greener, better, more prosperous London for everyone." Carlos Jasso/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: London Mayor Sadiq Khan attends the opening ceremony for a section of one of Britain's most famous shopping streets, Oxford Street, as it goes permanently traffic-free for the first time in central London on October 26, 2026.

It is part of Khan's push for a "greener" city with more public spaces. He has advocated for Oxford Street's pedestrianization since becoming mayor in 2016. The project was approved by the city in February of 2026.

The first phase is expected to cost £150 million, which will be funded by borrowing, according to the London Assembly. The pedestrianized section runs from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street. It includes flagship department stores John Lewis and Selfridges.

Carlos Jasso/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: This general overhead view shows a section of one of Britain's most famous shopping streets, Oxford Street, as it goes permanently traffic-free for the first time in central London on October 26, 2026. The Oxford Street Development Corporation estimated that the area's first phase of transition will be completed by spring 2027.

It will include over 50 new trees, two new public squares, over 100 new seats and dining tables and event spaces, officials said. Opponents of Oxford Street's pedestrianization have raised accessibility concerns, warning that reduced bus and taxi access could create barriers for elderly and disabled Londoners.

Inclusion London said in an interview with BBC Radio London that the scheme must be co-produced with disabled people to ensure inclusive travel. Alastair Grant/AP Photo - PHOTO: A signboard is installed while workers put up barriers and bollards on Oxford Street as the street becomes traffic-free and pedestrianized in London, Monday, Oct.

26, 2026. The first phase will test how well the pedestrianized street works for those with accessibility concerned. "The first stage of works will see a test phase put in place, which is a vital opportunity for us to learn from people's experiences and work closely with local communities, businesses and accessibility groups to ensure the future street is as welcoming and inclusive as possible," said Nabeel Khan, CEO of Oxford Street Development Corporation.