Nearly a kilometre of Oxford Street to close to traffic

Oxford Street in London will close almost a kilometre to most traffic from Monday, October 26.

The first phase covers the stretch from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, while the street’s eastern and western ends may follow later.

Cars, buses and other vehicles will be barred from travelling along the central stretch, though drivers can still cross it on some north-south roads.

Emergency vehicles will have access, and delivery vans and lorries can serve businesses at specified night-time hours.

The ban is the first step in a wider plan to revive the shopping street, which has faced concerns about crime, tourist-focused shops and the decline of some well-known retailers.

The pedestrianisation plan was approved after years of political disputes, and a public consultation received 66 per cent positive responses.

Seating, planters and trees are expected next year, after the Christmas retail season, once the development corporation has gathered feedback on the traffic-free zone.