Oxford Street fills with shoppers on first traffic

Key Points:

• A nearly 1km stretch of Oxford Street in central London has been pedestrianised for the first time, banning cars, taxis, buses, bicycles, and e-scooters between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street as part of a plan to revitalize the shopping area.
• While many shoppers welcomed the traffic-free zone, praising the increased space and potential for regeneration, concerns were raised about accessibility for disabled visitors and enforcement of the cycling ban, with some cyclists observed ignoring restrictions.
• London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the change as a "momentous day" and the first phase in reversing the street's decline, emphasizing ongoing efforts to refine the scheme and improve safety and enjoyment, especially ahead of the Christmas season.
• Local residents and groups expressed worries about traffic displacement affecting surrounding neighborhoods and the adequacy of new bus stops and taxi ranks to accommodate disabled passengers, prompting authorities to monitor and adjust plans as needed.
• Transport for London and the Oxford Street Development Corporation are working on enforcement measures like geo-fencing for e-bikes and collaborating with emergency services to ensure access, with future phases aiming to pedestrianise a larger portion of Oxford Street.