‘It’s a better experience’: shoppers praise Oxford Street pedestrianisation
Summary
A nearly one-kilometre stretch of London’s Oxford Street has been closed to traffic and opened to pedestrians ahead of the Christmas shopping season. Shoppers interviewed welcomed the extra space, while a kiosk owner said it was too early to know how the change would affect his business; a larger £150 million redesign is due to begin in spring 2027.Key Facts
- The pedestrianised section lies west of Oxford Circus.
- The closure excludes buses, bicycles, taxis, e-scooters, pedicabs and private cars from the section.
- Shoppers said the extra walking space made the street more pleasant and encouraged them to visit.
- Some visitors and the mayor acknowledged that traffic changes could make nearby streets busier or journeys less convenient.
- Kiosk owner Abbas Shigival said the morning seemed busier than usual but that the effect on his business remained uncertain.
- The planned £150 million redesign includes trees, seating and level plazas for events.
- The larger transformation is scheduled to begin in spring 2027, with permanent plans dependent on feedback and testing.
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