One of the UK's busiest streets will ban cars today as part of a revolutionary travel scheme to slash traffic and improve conditions for pedestrians.
Transport for London has now assumed control of Oxford Street, marking a crucial step towards Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan's pedestrianisation ambitions.
From Saturday, 20 September, responsibility for the famous shopping thoroughfare transfers from Westminster City Council to Transport for London.
The shift in highway authority represents a significant milestone in Mayor Khan's vision to transform the iconic retail destination into a pedestrian-only zone by 2027.
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The handover encompasses the stretch from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road. TfL will assume responsibility for highway maintenance and coordinating roadworks permits, while Westminster Council retains street cleaning and waste collection duties.
It comes Oxford Street will be closed to all vehicles between noon and 8pm for a special showcase event today (Sunday, September 21).
The redesignation adds Oxford Street to the Transport for London Road Network, following negotiations between the Greater London Authority and Westminster Council.
TfL's new duties encompass highway upkeep and managing permits for construction work along the corridor.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has backed plans for the pedestrianisation of x | PAThe administrative restructuring affects the section from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, while current vehicle access arrangements and restrictions stay unchanged under the new authority.
Mayor Khan declared the transfer a major advancement in his commitment to transform the capital's premier shopping destination.
He said: "I have been working closely with Westminster City Council and I am delighted the process to hand over control of the nation's high street, Oxford Street, has been completed.
"This is a significant step forward on my pledge to pedestrianise the road and unlock Oxford Street's true potential to deliver a world-class, accessible, clean street for everyone."
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Sunday's "This Is Oxford Street" celebration will demonstrate the possibilities of a vehicle-free future.
The event features street food vendors, coffee stands, musical performances, sporting exhibitions from partners including Major League Baseball, a Choose Love charitable area and a Holland and Barrett wellness zone.
Public consultation results reveal strong backing for the pedestrianisation scheme, with almost 70 per cent of participants endorsing the mayor's proposals.
A staggering two-thirds of respondents supported the general concept of removing vehicles from the area.
The mayor aims to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation by January 2026, granting powers to manage the street's transformation, which would oversee the comprehensive redevelopment of the shopping district.
Permanent pedestrianisation of the iconic shopping district is targeted for completion by 2027.
Detailed proposals addressing the future of 16 bus routes currently serving the area will undergo public consultation later this year.
The mayor emphasised his determination to create an accessible, world-class avenue, with Sunday's event offering residents and tourists an early preview of the street's potential future without traffic.