Oxford Street pedestrianisation boosts shopper numbers in London

The London mayor's office reported a significant increase in shopping activity on Oxford Street following the removal of vehicle traffic from the famous shopping area.

City Hall data showed that footfall between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street rose by 16 per cent compared to the previous October half-term. International visitor numbers increased by about 42 per cent during the first week of the traffic-free period.

The payments company Adyen also reported that spending at stores in the area grew from £2.9m to £3.7m year-on-year. The decision to close the street to buses and cyclists has divided the local community. The Marylebone Association claimed that bus journeys now take up to 11 minutes longer. Hundreds of cyclists also gathered near Oxford Circus to protest the changes. Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that the results show a transformational impact and aim to attract quality shops to the street.