This ‘world famous’ shopping street in London could soon be traffic free

New plans to make Oxford Street traffic free have been revealed.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is proposing a scheme that would close off a half-mile section of the popular shopping strip, between Oxford Circus and Orchard Street, to east-west traffic.

The measures, subject to a public consultation, would be introduced by December next year to coincide with the start of services on the Elizabeth line.

New and extended taxi ranks would be created nearby and the road raised to level with the pavements.

Cyclists would be required to dismount when entering the pedestrianised area. A consultation will be held next summer on the creation of new cycle routes to the north and south of Oxford Street.

According to The Independent, Mr Khan said of the plans: “Oxford Street is world famous with millions of visitors every year, and in just over a year the iconic part of the street west of Oxford Circus could be transformed into a traffic-free pedestrian boulevard.

“Whether you’re a local resident, a business, or shop in some of the area’s famous stores, our plans will make the area substantially cleaner and safer for everyone, creating one of the finest public spaces in the world.”