On 21 September 2024, London will test a new traffic-free zone along Oxford Street, aiming to boost safety and vibrancy amid debates over transportation and commercial impacts, signalling a major shift towards greener urban mobility.
London is set to witness a significant transformation on 21 September 2024 as Mayor Sadiq Khan’s ambitious plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street comes into effect for a trial day. Originally announced on 17 September, the closure aims to showcase the benefits of a traffic-free environment by temporarily banning general traffic and promoting pedestrian space along the famous shopping thoroughfare. The event, scheduled between midday and 8pm, will now cover a larger area than initially planned—extending from the western edge near Selfridges, through Oxford Circus, and eastward to Great Portland Street, including the area in front of the new Ikea store. This expanded closure represents a widening of the initiative from the previously announced stretch between Orchard Street and Oxford Circus.
This one-day pedestrianisation is designed as a vibrant, community-oriented event featuring music, food stalls, and entertainment, providing a tangible preview of Mayor Khan’s broader vision to permanently pedestrianise Oxford Street by 2027. The strategy aims not only to reduce congestion but also to make the street a leading retail and leisure destination, enhancing its appeal to shoppers and tourists alike.
Critical to the plan is the removal of all vehicles from the area, including the banning of buses, taxis, delivery vehicles, and cyclists, who are advised to either secure their bicycles or find alternative routes. The exclusion of cyclists marks a notable shift in London’s urban mobility management, reflecting a prioritisation of pedestrian safety and experience within the pedestrianised zone. This has attracted debate, with some stakeholders expressing concerns over the impact on transport accessibility and congestion on surrounding roads.
Westminster City Council has voiced reservations and opposition to the scheme, citing the complexities of rerouting buses and taxis and potential congestion spillovers on neighbouring streets. Despite these concerns, the Mayor has leveraged new governmental powers to push forward with the initiatives, signalling a determined commitment to reshaping Oxford Street’s urban fabric. The proposal also contemplates establishing a Mayoral Development Corporation to oversee the street’s long-term transformation, indicating a structured approach to managing the area’s development beyond the immediate closures.
The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street aligns with a growing global trend towards reclaiming urban centres for pedestrians as seen in cities like Paris, New York, and Barcelona. These cities have demonstrated the potential environmental, social, and economic benefits of transforming busy car-centric streets into vibrant public spaces. Nonetheless, the initiative also raises important questions about balancing the needs of local businesses, transportation logistics, and urban sustainability.
As the trial day approaches, it remains to be seen how the temporary traffic ban will impact shoppers, local businesses, and the wider public transport network. Nonetheless, this event marks a critical step toward reshaping one of London’s most iconic commercial streets, reflecting broader ambitions for a greener, more pedestrian-friendly city.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/oxford-street-traffic-ban-sadiq-khan-one-day-buses-taxis-september-21-b1244944.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/oxford-street-traffic-ban-sadiq-khan-one-day-buses-taxis-september-21-b1244944.html – On 17 September 2024, London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street for a day on 21 September 2024. The event aims to showcase the benefits of a traffic-free environment, featuring music, food, and entertainment. The closure will span from Orchard Street to Oxford Circus, approximately half a mile, between midday and 8pm. This initiative is part of a broader vision to permanently pedestrianise Oxford Street by 2027, with the government considering legislation to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation to oversee the transformation.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/oxford-street-pedestrianisation-cyclists-ban-london-mayor-sadiq-khan-b1182675.html – On 18 September 2024, it was reported that cyclists would be banned from riding through the pedestrianised section of Oxford Street under Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plans. The initiative aims to prioritise pedestrians by removing buses, cars, taxis, and delivery vehicles. Cyclists are advised to lock up their bikes or divert away from the area. The plan is part of a broader effort to revitalise Oxford Street and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
- https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/sep/17/traffic-banned-london-oxford-street-sadiq-khan-westminster-council – On 17 September 2024, The Guardian reported that Mayor Sadiq Khan announced plans to ban traffic from Oxford Street, aiming to revitalise the area and make it a leading retail destination. The proposal includes rerouting buses and taxis, which has raised concerns among Westminster City Council about potential congestion on surrounding streets. The plan is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate Oxford Street and attract more shoppers.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/sadiq-khan-pedestrianise-oxford-street-new-powers-westminster-council-vehicles-ban-b1182384.html – On 17 September 2024, it was reported that Mayor Sadiq Khan plans to force through the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street using new powers granted by the government. The initiative aims to make the area traffic-free, starting with the stretch between Oxford Circus and Selfridges. The plan has faced opposition from Westminster City Council, which had previously blocked similar proposals due to concerns about rerouting buses and taxis. The mayor’s vision is to transform Oxford Street into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly avenue.
- https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/sep/21/traffic-free-oxford-street-london-paris-new-york-barcelona – On 21 September 2024, The Guardian explored how London’s plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street compare to similar initiatives in cities like Paris, New York, and Barcelona. The article discusses the potential benefits and challenges of creating a traffic-free Oxford Street, including the impact on local businesses, transportation, and the overall urban environment. The piece provides insights into the global trend of pedestrianising city centres to enhance public spaces and promote sustainable urban living.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/sadiq-khan-pedestrianise-oxford-street-new-powers-westminster-council-vehicles-ban-b1182384.html – On 17 September 2024, it was reported that Mayor Sadiq Khan plans to force through the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street using new powers granted by the government. The initiative aims to make the area traffic-free, starting with the stretch between Oxford Circus and Selfridges. The plan has faced opposition from Westminster City Council, which had previously blocked similar proposals due to concerns about rerouting buses and taxis. The mayor’s vision is to transform Oxford Street into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly avenue.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, dated 29 August 2025, and pertains to an event scheduled for 21 September 2025. No evidence of recycled or outdated content was found. The article is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes are present in the provided text, indicating original content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Standard, a reputable UK news outlet, enhancing its credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims align with known plans by Mayor Sadiq Khan to pedestrianise Oxford Street, supported by recent public consultations and government backing. The event details are consistent with prior announcements.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and from a reliable source. Claims are plausible and consistent with known plans for Oxford Street’s pedestrianisation. 
