A new consultation has opened outlining the specific transport and highway changes needed to pedestrianise the busiest stretch of Oxford Street, with City Hall setting out exactly how the scheme would work if approved.
The Mayor of London and TfL have published their detailed proposals for closing the section between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street to all traffic. This includes buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cyclists, scooters and pedicabs. The only exceptions would be emergency vehicles at all times, and overnight access for delivery drivers between midnight and 07:00.
The consultation will run until 16 January 2026 and is the first look at how the pedestrian-only zone would operate day-to-day, how buses would be moved off the street, and what arrangements would be made for taxis, blue badge holders and local businesses.
Under the plans, all bus routes that currently use Oxford Street would be diverted via Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place. TfL says two new pairs of bus stops would be installed, with shelters and countdown, and its modelling suggests most routes would see journey times altered by less than a minute. Taxi access would stop on the main stretch but ranks and drop-off points would be placed as close as possible to the pedestrian area.
The proposals also include maintaining the number of blue badge bays nearby, and exploring with Westminster Council whether more taxi ranking space can be added around the zone. New and wider pedestrian crossings are planned where traffic continues to cross Oxford Street.
Cycling would not be permitted within the pedestrianised stretch, with TfL instead working with Westminster Council to identify alternative routes.
Sadiq Khan said: “We need urgent action to give the nation’s high street a new lease of life and make it an attractive international destination once again. A reimagined Oxford Street can bring the world to London and showcase the best of London to the world, and I’m pleased that we’re now moving ahead with our exciting plans to regenerate this iconic area, backed by the vast majority of Londoners and businesses.
“These new proposals map out the potential next steps with Transport for London to make our vision of a thriving, greener Oxford Street a reality. I encourage everyone to have their say on the proposals, which would transform Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
Claire Mann, Chief Operating Officer at Transport for London, said: “Oxford Street is an iconic location, and these proposals would see the key section from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street pedestrianised – creating a safer and more pleasant overall experience when shopping, dining or simply exploring the area. We look forward to hearing the public feedback on these proposals and, subject to the consultation results, delivery of the scheme could begin in the second half of 2026.”
Business groups have welcomed the release of the detailed plans, saying the clarity is necessary for long-term planning.
Dee Corsi, Chief Executive at New West End Company, said: “Today’s consultation launch is an important step towards delivering Oxford Street’s transformation, forming part of what must be a long-term strategic approach to the revitalisation of the whole street. We will continue to engage closely with the Mayor and TfL to ensure that the proposed traffic modelling outlined in the consultation reflects the ambitions and needs of local businesses, whilst maintaining the momentum necessary to realise the West End’s full potential.”
Meave Wall, Executive Director of Retail at Selfridges, added: “We’re encouraged by the proposals to enhance Oxford Street’s public realm and attract more people to the area through pedestrianisation. We look forward to hearing more about the transformation plans as they continue to progress, and how they can best serve our customers, neighbours, and the wider community.”
If approved, the project would begin with diverting buses off Oxford Street before any construction work starts. The wider pedestrian-focused redesign would be subject to its own later public engagement.
Residents and visitors can give their views at: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/oxford-street-transport-highways
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