Oxford Street closes nearly one kilometre to traffic

An almost one-kilometre stretch of London’s Oxford Street became permanently closed to traffic on Monday, as the first phase of a wider plan to transform the shopping district began. The Mayor of London’s office said buses, cars, taxis, cycles, scooters and pedicabs are barred from the section. The closure covers the area between Selfridges and IKEA, according to the office. The street remains open to pedestrians, while vehicles have been diverted onto surrounding roads. Mayor Sadiq Khan said the project is intended to attract shoppers, support jobs and encourage economic growth. Those are aims of the scheme; its effect on business and visitor numbers has not yet been established. The mayor’s office estimates Oxford Street receives about half a million visitors a day. The pedestrianisation is the first stage of a broader regeneration plan. Plans for 2027 include more than 50 trees, 100 seats and two public squares, as well as rest areas and improved signage and lighting. The mayor’s office said construction would be minimal in the run-up to Christmas. Oxford Street has faced changes in shopping habits and the closure of established stores in recent years. Retailers including...