UK: Oxford Street pedestrianisation begins in central London

The British capital is turning almost a kilometre of Oxford Street into a pedestrian-only zone , banning cars, buses, taxis, bicycles and e-scooters between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street . Shoppers took to the traffic-free road as buses were diverted . Mayor Sadiq Khan visited retailers to promote the changes, intended to make the street safer and more welcoming ahead of Christmas. Black cab drivers , however, warn that the restrictions could make access harder for disabled passengers . Paris pedestrianised much of Rue de Rivoli in 2020 , attracting more than 20,000 cyclists daily and reducing nitrogen dioxide levels , although critics say congestion has shifted to nearby roads.