Oxford Street to Go Car-Free for One Day in Pedestrianisation Trial

LONDON — Oxford Street will be closed to motor traffic on Sunday, 21 September, from Oxford Circus to Orchard Street, in a one-day trial to demonstrate how pedestrianisation could work. The closure will run from 12:00 to 20:00 BST, on the eve of World Car Free Day.

The street will host free public events, with local businesses organising themed areas showcasing fashion, sport, music, food and heritage. Bus services will be diverted from 21:00 BST on Saturday, 20 September, until 04:00 on Monday, 22 September.

Mayor Sadiq Khan, who announced in June that plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street would be accelerated, said the trial is “a fantastic opportunity to see Oxford Street in a whole new light” and pledged to transform the area into a world-class, accessible avenue.

The move follows a consultation in which two-thirds of respondents supported banning traffic from the famous shopping destination, which attracts around half a million visitors daily. Wider plans would prohibit vehicles between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with potential extensions towards Tottenham Court Road.

City Hall said Oxford Street contributes an estimated £25 billion annually to London’s economy but has struggled with the impact of the pandemic and the growth of online shopping. Business groups, including the London Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the initiative while calling for close engagement with local residents and businesses to address practical challenges.