London Mayor Khan Plans Oxford Street Pedestrianisation Amid Public Support

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed plans to pedestrianise a 0.7-mile stretch of Oxford Street, aiming to transform the area into a traffic-free zone and a global hub for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events. The decision follows public consultations showing strong support, with approximately 66-70% of respondents backing the scheme, including 72% of recent visitors. Khan emphasized the need to rejuvenate Oxford Street, which hosts around half a million daily visitors and contributes significantly to London's economy, by attracting international tourists and new investment. The plan involves banning most vehicles during set hours, with only certain vehicles like buses and taxis allowed, and will be enabled through a Mayoral Development Corporation to overcome local opposition. Despite backing, concerns have been raised about potential rises in crime and congestion on surrounding streets, with calls for enhanced policing and improved public transport as deterrents. The scheme is expected to be regulated by early 2026, with detailed traffic proposals to be published later this year.