Plans for Pedestrianizing London's Oxford Street Revealed

A portion of Oxford Street in London is planned to be closed to motor vehicles, including buses and taxis, beginning next year. Mayor Sadiq Khan announced plans to restrict traffic on a stretch of the street between Oxford Circus and Orchard Street. Among the issues driving this decision are the desire to eliminate traffic accidents along the street and reduce air pollution.

As part of the project, north-south routes crossing Oxford Street will be maintained, seating would be added along the street, sidewalks will be widened, pedestrian crossings added and bicyclists will be asked to dismount. 

The first phase of pedestrianization will be completed by the end of 2018, to coincide with the start of the Elizabeth Line, the new east-west underground train line that will serve the area.