Plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street receive overwhelming support

he mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced he will move ahead with plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street and revitalise the area following overwhelming public and business support for his proposals.

Oxford Street is an area of critical national economic importance, with an estimated annual contribution of £25bn to London’s economy – but it has suffered over many years for a variety of reasons, from the pandemic to the growth of online shopping and retail parks.

In February 2025, the mayor set out proposals to breathe new life into Oxford Street – including pedestrianisation of the main shopping thoroughfare – to improve the visitor experience and better enable new leisure offers, such as alfresco dining and outdoor events.

Following extensive public consultation, attracting 6,642 responses, a new report published today shows that Londoners and businesses overwhelmingly back the mayor’s ideas. Almost seven in 10 expressed support for the Mayor’s proposed interventions to regenerate the area, while two-thirds are supportive of the pedestrianisation idea specifically. 

This echoes recent polling, which found that almost two-thirds (63%) of Londoners were in favour of pedestrianising Oxford Street, rising to almost three-quarters (72%) among those who had specifically visited the area within 12 months. 

Major businesses in the Oxford Street area and across the capital also welcomed the plans, which aim to drive growth for London and the wider UK economy. 

Detailed traffic and highway proposals will be developed to pedestrianise the section of road between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus up to Great Portland Street – almost a mile of one of London’s most iconic high streets. These will be consulted on later this year.

The mayor will also progress with steps to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) dedicated to regenerating the area and ultimately making Oxford Street a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure and outdoor events.

Subject to consideration by the London Assembly, the mayor will work with the government to make the necessary legislation for the MDC to be established by 1 January 2026.

Khan says of the proposal: 

“Oxford Street has suffered over many years, so urgent action is needed to give our nation’s high street a new lease of life. It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.    

“Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect, but transforming Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”