# Oxford Street pedestrianisation shifts traffic queues to nearby roads

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/nightmare-around-oxford-street-sadiq-khans-pedestrian-only-zone-for-londons-busy-shopping-hub-hammers-neighbouring-streets-with-traffic-jams-as-cars-clog-up-roads/
- Published: 2026-10-27T17:48:26+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-27T18:07:36+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16242337/Oxford-Street-Sadiq-Khans-pedestrian-zone-London.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Oxford Street has closed to motor traffic for nearly a kilometre.
- Five bus routes now use surrounding streets.
- Neighbouring roads saw queues during the first morning rush hour.

## Summary

London’s Oxford Street has become pedestrian-only for nearly a kilometre, but the first day of the scheme brought reported traffic queues to nearby roads. The change matters because buses and other vehicles have been diverted through the West End, prompting concerns that congestion, noise and pollution may shift to neighbouring streets.

The closed section runs between Orchard Street near Selfridges and Great Portland Street. Transport for London redirected five bus routes, the 98, 139, 390, N98 and N207, and introduced new stops; taxis and private hire vehicles cannot enter the pedestrianised area. Westminster councillor Tim Barnes said Wigmore Street and other smaller roads were ill-suited to the diverted traffic, while the council has also raised concerns about access, air pollution and public safety.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.