Oxford Street traffic-free zone opens in London

A stretch of London's Oxford Street became traffic-free on Monday, as pedestrians took over part of one of Europe's busiest shopping areas.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said about one kilometre of the street, almost half of it, would be traffic-free permanently. He said the change was intended to support shops and increase the number of shoppers.

Oxford Street brings in about £3.1 billion in spending each year, but has faced challenges including shop closures during the Covid-19 pandemic and lower footfall linked to online shopping.

The plan has drawn criticism from some residents worried about traffic in nearby areas and from disability rights activists. Khan said cab ranks and bus stops near the street would help people reach the area.

About half the street has been pedestrianised. Plans to close the rest to vehicles will depend on the success of the first phase.