Bold plans to transform Oxford Street are being put into practice as sections of the street are pedestrianised from 26 October 2026.

Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking has been campaigning to pedestrianise Oxford Street for over a decade to improve the safety, accessibility and health of people who live, work and visit the area.

Oxford Street has experienced the highest known concentration of nitrogen dioxide air pollution recorded anywhere in the world and is a road danger hotspot.

The pedestrianisation project received official approval following two public consultations1 and is being delivered by the Mayor and Transport for London. The scheme will remove traffic from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch stations. Living Streets is calling for other cities to follow in London’s footsteps and create more walkable high streets.

Living Streets’ Pedestrian Pound research shows the benefits on offer to the local economy when streets are designed better for people walking and wheeling. In September 2025, Oxford Street was closed to traffic for a day. Footfall increased 45 per cent; 80 per cent of visitors reported having a positive experience and feeling safe; and 77 per cent said the experience improved their perception of Oxford Street.2

Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive, Living Streets comments:

“With families enjoying the school holidays and Christmas around the corner, we want people to feel safe and happy to spend time on Oxford Street.

“For too long, vehicles have been prioritised over people, making the street unsafe and polluted. By making it easier for people to walk, we can create a healthier environment while attracting business and economic growth. Putting people first on one of the country’s most famous streets will hopefully inspire a whole host of walkable high streets across the UK.

Cat Kenyon, Central London Living Streets Group leader comments:

“Pedestrianising Oxford Street is a great first step, but we need to see this ambition replicated in high streets across the West End and London.

“Other European cities like Paris and Barcelona have over double the length of pedestrian streets in comparison to London. From Soho, Fitzrovia, Mayfair to Marylebone there are many spaces that would benefit from prioritising people over traffic.

“Central London Living Streets will be bringing together major educational, cultural and health institutions, alongside businesses from across London to build on the ambition in Oxford Street and to champion more people-friendly and accessible spaces in the capital.”