Oxford Street pedestrianisation begins as overhaul gets under way

Almost a kilometre of Oxford Street is now pedestrian-only, as the first phase of a major overhaul of the central London shopping street gets under way.

The work is expected to be completed by spring 2027. Mayor Sadiq Khan described the change as marking the “end of decline” for the street and said the area would have more trees, seats and public squares next year.

BBC reporter Graham Satchell visited the new pedestrian-only section to see what it is like to walk along it. The launch comes amid wider debate about how pedestrianisation affects access to high streets and nearby businesses; the government has warned councils that schemes need careful planning and transport links.