Oxford Street Is Finally Car-Free

I don’t particularly like going to Oxford Street because it’s busy, noisy, and stressful, especially if you visit after 11 am or 12 pm.

If I ever went for any reason, I would go to the back streets, where there was more space to walk and less traffic. As of Monday, that’s all changed.

Pedestrianised Oxford Street

I was keen to see what all the fuss was about when Oxford Street became car-free as of Monday this week. It took a while to take shape, but the Mayor of London was keen to give Oxford Street a big economic boost.

Plus, over the years, footfall in the area declined significantly. More shops were empty, and unpleasant Candy Shops were popping up towards Tottenham Court Road End.

These Candy Shops were a storefront for money laundering or other illegal activities. The Mayor of London was keen to stamp out such traders.

Elizabeth Line

Since the Elizabeth Line opened, things have started to come together. As I understand it, Tottenham Court Road Station can cater for 200,000 people each day.

Now that the Street is car-free, plenty more people can enjoy the Shopping experience.

Walking On the Road

I walked from Oxford Circus all the way up to Bond Street.

Since the first COVID lockdown was lifted, this is the only time I have been able to walk on the road. I must say it was a very pleasant experience.

I felt calm and relaxed, and I enjoyed having ample space around me instead of dodging people coming towards me in droves.

I took plenty of videos and photos. It was nice to see a mix of locals and visitors. It is half-term holidays at the moment, so there were plenty of families together.

Where Did The Traffic Go?

Sadly, the backstreet routes that I once used to escape the Oxford Street nightmare have become a traffic nightmare. Traffic was at a standstill on the day I went.

As a Londoner, Oxford Street has always been somewhere I’d choose to go early in the day and never over the weekends. Now that the street is pedestrianised, I’ll be visiting again soon.

Here are 10 Facts about Oxford Street

1. Oxford Street is about 1.2 miles (1.9–2 km) from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road via Oxford Circus. It roughly divides Fitzrovia and Marylebone to the north from Soho and Mayfair to the south.

2. Oxford Street is Europe’s busiest shopping street. It attracts around 300,000 daily visitors (higher, up to half a million on peak days such as holidays or weekends). It has approximately 300 shops. It is no surprise that Oxford Street has been given a new lifeline. Annual retail spending is estimated at £3.1 billion, which has a ripple effect on London and the UK’s economy.

3. Not many people know this, but the route follows the ancient Via Trinobantina, a Roman road linking areas near Colchester (Camulodunum) to Hampshire. There are no significant markers to indicate this anywhere, which is a real shame.

4. For centuries it was known as Tyburn Road. Prisoners were taken along it from Newgate Prison to public executions at the Tyburn Gallows near today’s Marble Arch (from at least the late 12th century until 1783). If you’re an empath, you’ll feel heavy energy around the Marble Arch Area.

5. It became known as Oxford Street (or Oxford Road) from around the early-to-mid 18th century (around 1729), because of its link to the Earl of Oxford’s estate. It shifted from a coaching/residential route to commercial and retail use in the late 18th century.

6. Everyone knows Selfridges on Oxford Street. It is a famous department store that opened in 1909. Other stores include John Lewis and many flagship high-street stores. Several major stores were heavily damaged or destroyed in the WWII Blitz and later rebuilt.

7. On 26 October 2026, a new era began with the Pedestrianisation of Oxford Street. They’re planning more improvements (trees, seating, public squares) are planned by spring 2027.

8. The annual festive lights began in 1959 and are traditionally switched on by a celebrity each year (with occasional gaps during economic downturns).

9. If you’ve played London Monopoly, you’ll recognise this stop - Oxford Street. It appears as part of the green property set alongside Regent Street and Bond Street.

10. Oxford Street is one of the best served streets when it comes to Transport. It is served by four London Underground stations, including Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, and Tottenham Court Road

Parting Thoughts

Once a Roman Road and then an Execution Route, but these days, it’s a great place to blow some cash in the 300 Stores that make up the shopping Strip.

Check out the new look yourself and let me know what you think.

Thank you for your attention.

Best wishes

Tabby