Oxford Street pedestrianisation: How is it working one week in?

One week after the pedestrianisation of London’s Oxford Street, transport officials say the response has been “phenomenal”.

Almost 1km (0.62 miles) of the shopping destination has been pedestrianised between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street by the mayor’s Oxford Street Development Corporation, external.

The changes have been welcomed by some shoppers, with some stores reporting increased footfall.

Supporters say issues such as continued cycle use are teething problems, while critics argue the scheme is flawed and has increased journey times.

Helen Cansick, head of investment planning at Transport for London (TfL), said this was “the first week of a very long programme of investment and transformation”.

She added: “We’re going to see 50 new trees by the spring, more benches and seating area and then over the course of time we will completely improve the place, level all the road surfaces and make sure it’s a really beautiful space that people can enjoy.”

The completed project is expected to cost £150m, which includes the cost of highway changes.

London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, described the launch of the pedestrianisation on the 26 October as a “momentous day for London” and said the changes marked the first phase of efforts to lift the street out of “decline”.