Everyone hates Oxford Street. Will pedestrianisation save it?
In a few days the busiest shopping street in Europe will be closed to traffic.
By The Guardian
Oxford Street pedestrianisation set to begin in London
Almost a kilometre of Oxford Street will be closed to general traffic from Monday 26 October, as part of a major scheme to change the central London shopping street.
The traffic-free section will run between Orchard Street, near Selfridges, and Great Portland Street, just east of Oxford Circus. The wider street is around 1.2 miles long, meaning the first phase will cover roughly half of its length.
Cars, vans, lorries, taxis, buses, bicycles, e-bikes and scooters will not be allowed through the pedestrianised section. Emergency vehicles will still have access.
Traffic will continue to run north and south along Regent Street at Oxford Circus. Vehicles will also be able to cross Oxford Street at four locations for local access, including Duke Street, Davies Street and Stratford Place, Vere Street and New Bond Street, and Holles Street.
The plans were announced by London mayor Sadiq Khan in February. He first proposed pedestrianising Oxford Street during his 2016 mayoral campaign, but the project has faced years of political arguments, delays and objections.
The scheme is intended to improve the street for pedestrians and support a wider focus on walking, cycling, public space and air quality in central London.
Transport arrangements around Oxford Circus and the surrounding roads are being changed ahead of the closure. Bus stops will be moved to locations around 200 metres from the traffic-free area, while taxi ranks will be approximately 100 metres away.
Businesses will still receive deliveries. Delivery vehicles will be permitted to enter the pedestrianised section between midnight and 7am each day at designated locations.
The first phase is expected to remain under testing and review until spring 2027. The arrangements could be adjusted as the impact on traffic, businesses and visitors is assessed.
Oxford Street is one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets, with department stores, international retailers and smaller shops along its full length. The pedestrianisation will initially affect the section between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.