The Mayor of London and Transport for London have launched an eight-week consultation on detailed plans to pedestrianise a major section of Oxford Street, following earlier public support for the concept.

The proposals would ban all traffic, including buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs, from the street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. Emergency services would retain access at all times, and delivery vehicles could use the street between midnight and 7am. 

This represents a significant change from the current arrangement, where general traffic is already prohibited between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, but buses and taxis can still use the road.

Under the plans, buses currently serving Oxford Street would be rerouted along Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place, with two new pairs of bus stops installed. Traffic modelling suggests most local bus routes would see journey time changes of less than one minute.

Several crossing points for vehicles would remain, with wider pedestrian crossings installed at these junctions for safety. Taxi ranks and drop-off locations would be positioned as close to the pedestrianised area as possible, and blue badge parking bay numbers would be maintained.

Cycling would not be permitted on the pedestrianised section, though alternative routes are being developed with Westminster City Council.

An earlier consultation this year attracted more than 6,000 responses, with around two-thirds supporting pedestrianisation in principle. The New West End Company and retailers including Selfridges have expressed support for the transformation plans.

The consultation runs until 16 January 2026. If approved, preparatory works including bus diversions could begin in the second half of 2026, with pedestrianisation works following after traffic has been diverted. Further public engagement would take place on the detailed design of the pedestrian space.

The proposals are part of broader plans to revitalise the shopping street and boost the West End economy.

To respond to the consultation and have your say, please visit https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/oxford-street-transport-highways