Oxford Street spending rises 28% in first week of pedestrianisation

Spending at businesses on Oxford Street rose 28% to £3.7 million in the first week of the street’s phased pedestrianisation, while footfall on the traffic-free stretch increased 16%, according to figures released by the Mayor of London and the Oxford Street Development Corporation.

The spending comparison covers businesses included in the analysis and compares the first week of the scheme with the equivalent week in 2025. Spending increased from about £2.9 million to £3.7 million. The reported figures also show a 19% rise in in-store transactions and an increase in average transaction value from £100 to £107.

International visitor numbers on the traffic-free section rose 42% compared with the equivalent half-term period in 2025, while domestic visitor numbers increased 14%. The figures cover the opening week and do not establish whether the increases will continue or how much of the change was caused by the traffic restrictions.

The first phase began on October 26, 2026, when the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street was closed to traffic. The restrictions apply to private motor vehicles, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs. The...