The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced a one-day traffic ban on a section of Oxford Street to promote the area, describing it as a potential turning point for its future. The event, titled “This is Oxford Street,” prohibited vehicles on a half-mile stretch from Oxford Circus to Orchard Street between noon and 8 PM on a Sunday.
Khan noted that Oxford Street, previously a thriving shopping destination, has experienced a decline in recent years due, in part, to increased online shopping and the impact of the pandemic. In his remarks, he referred to this decline as “managed decline” and emphasized the necessity of revitalizing the area to attract foot traffic and boost spending.
The mayor’s vision includes a more pedestrian-friendly Oxford Street, with plans to ban vehicles from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch. Detailed proposals for this initiative will undergo public consultation later this year. Khan stated he is aware of concerns raised by a minority of residents regarding congestion and accessibility, and he mentioned ongoing consultations with those residents as well as collaboration with retailers and landowners.
When asked about broader pedestrianization efforts in London, Khan highlighted past initiatives, including partnerships with councils to pedestrianize certain areas, and support for outdoor dining options. He also noted that Oxford Street attracts around half a million visitors daily.
A previous attempt to pedestrianize part of Oxford Street was blocked in 2018 by Westminster City Council. The implementation of Khan’s new proposals hinges on acquiring government approval to establish a mayoral development corporation, which would grant the necessary planning powers, aimed for creation by early next year.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/21/london-mayor-sadiq-khan-says-traffic-ban-trial-is-start-of-fightback-to-rescue-oxford-street