Oxford Street Goes Traffic-Free as Bus Routes Change and London Transport Updates Emerge

Oxford Street has officially been pedestrianised, with the first images released of the London attraction following the change, the Manchester Evening News reported. Yahoo reported that the London mayor hailed a new era as Oxford Street goes traffic-free. According to the Financial Times, London's most famous shopping street has banned cars in an effort to revive its fortunes, while the BBC examined how the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street was achieved after years of failed attempts.

The London Evening Standard published photographs showing how Oxford Street is being transformed and mapped all of the bus route changes taking place as the traffic-free scheme begins. As the changes take effect, The Times questioned whether a pedestrian Oxford Street will work on one road with 120m people and zero cars, while My London also asked whether the permanent change to the street will prove to be a success.

Elsewhere on the capital's road network, delivery drivers in London are now able to book a loading bay before they arrive, a system that Trans.INFO reported has resulted in 40% fewer parking fines. In the private hire and taxi sector, TaxiPoint Taxi News reported that Elly Baker of the London Assembly warned that TfL electric vehicle plans must address driver costs. Separately, TransportXtra reported that concerns have been raised regarding robotaxis in London.

Rail and Underground passengers also face upcoming schedule changes and travel news. London Now reported that the Elizabeth line will face major closures over the Christmas and New Year period. For airport travellers, London Now also highlighted a London Tube line that could save passengers £10 when going to Heathrow. Meanwhile, RailAdvent reported that an autumn anthology is celebrating 40 years of London's 'Poems on the Underground' programme.