Part of London’s Oxford Street becomes permanently traffic-free
publishers 24articles 26first reported 25 Oct, 12:26 UTCdeveloping since 26 Oct · 7 editions
An almost one-kilometre section of London’s Oxford Street became permanently traffic-free on Monday as part of an effort to revive the shopping district and create new public space.
The stretch between the Selfridges and IKEA stores is now closed to buses, cars, taxis, bicycles, scooters and pedicabs, according to the office of London Mayor Sadiq Khan. The change, more than two decades in the making, is the first stage of a wider regeneration project intended to support businesses, jobs and economic growth.
“After so many false dawns, and now working with a government who share the scale of my ambition, I’m proud that we’re finally unlocking a new era for the street,” Khan said.
Oxford Street attracts about 500,000 visitors each day, according to the mayor’s office, but has struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic. Several flagship stores, including House of Fraser and Topshop, have closed in recent years, while an influx of US candy shops has drawn criticism.
Construction will be limited during the run-up to Christmas. Plans for 2027 include more than 50 trees, 100 seats, two public squares, rest areas, improved signs and new lighting.
British housing, communities and local government minister Angela Rayner said the project would create “a greener, more vibrant place” designed to attract visitors and investment.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 6 articles, 1 with the publisher's own text; 6 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one (5 if wire copies count as one too); this version written 6 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 24
- Source articles
- 26
- Given to the writer
- 6, 1 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 6 (5 if wire copies count as one)
- This version written
- 6 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
Written by a language model from the sources above, then checked by a second model that may only cut, attribute or correct. How it works →