London’s iconic Oxford Streetrenowned as the heart of shopping in the city, will be entirely closed to traffic for a single day this September – marking a new chapter in the vision to transform one of the country’s busiest thoroughfares into a pedestrian street.
On September 21, from noon until 8pm, Oxford Street will ban all cars, cabs, and buses, turning the bustling avenue into a vibrant pedestrian zone. This initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Sadiq Khan, will showcase the potential of a car-free Oxford Street, with the road hosting “This Is Oxford Street,” a free public event designed to celebrate London’s most famous shopping destination without the usual vehicle congestion.
What to expect on the day
With extra space available, visitors can expect an exciting mix of activities:
- Street food stalls and coffee pop-ups for outdoor dining.
- International sporting showcases, including a partnership with Major League Baseball.
- Live music performances and entertainment, providing a festival-like atmosphere.
- A Choose Love charity zone to support humanitarian efforts.
- Wellness activities hosted by Holland and Barrett at the dedicated wellness village.
Public support and future plans to pedestrianisation
Public response to pedestrianisation has been overwhelmingly positive. Nearly 70% of survey respondents supported the mayor’s specific car-free proposals, while two thirds backed the idea of a permanently pedestrianised Oxford Street.
The event will offer Londoners and visitors a tangible glimpse of what a traffic-free West End could look like, sparking excitement about increased outdoor events and al fresco dining opportunities.
Looking ahead, Mayor Khan has outlined his ambition to make the pedestrianisation permanent by 2027. The plans include creating a mayoral development corporation by January 2026, a move that would empower the city to oversee regeneration and development along Oxford Street.
Further consultations regarding public transport, particularly the 16 bus routes that currently serve the area, are expected later this year.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to “add the date to their diary” and experience Oxford Street in a whole new light this September.
