London’s Oxford Street goes traffic-free ahead of Christmas: What changes for shoppers and tourists

London’s iconic Oxford Street has become traffic-free across a nearly one-kilometre stretch. The pedestrianisation of the busy shopping destination comes into effect ahead of the city’s Christmas shopping season.

The new rules cover the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, barring private vehicles, buses, taxis, bicycles, e-scooters and pedicabs. Mobility scooters are exempt, while freight and servicing vehicles are allowed on designated routes between midnight and 7 am, according to Conde Nast.

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Vehicles entering the restricted zone may face penalty charge notices, while parking is no longer permitted in the pedestrianised area. Some parking bays, disabled parking spaces and taxi ranks have been moved to nearby streets.

The move aims to create more space for pedestrians along one of London’s busiest retail corridors, which draws millions of residents and tourists every year. The changes will face an early test during the festive season, with Oxford Street’s Christmas lights switch-on scheduled for early November.

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Further work is planned for 2027, when sections of the road will be raised to pavement level to create a continuous pedestrian surface. The plans also include new public squares that could host events, alongside measures to make the street greener and provide more spaces for visitors to rest.