The Newshound

Cyclists ride straight through the ban as Oxford Street goes traffic-free on Sadiq Khan's 'momentous' first day

Almost a kilometre of Oxford Street will close to all traffic from Monday, with deliveries confined to a midnight-to-7am window and the carriageway eventually raised to pavement level.
Almost a kilometre of Oxford Street will close to all traffic from Monday, with deliveries confined to a midnight-to-7am window and the carriageway eventually raised to pavement level.
Sadiq Khan unveils the pedestrianised stretch of Oxford Street, which he says will drive out the 'dross' American-style candy shops that have long blighted the road.
Sadiq Khan unveils the pedestrianised stretch of Oxford Street, which he says will drive out the 'dross' American-style candy shops that have long blighted the road.
Sadiq Khan on Oxford Street, where the ban also bars private hire cars, scooters and pedicabs, drawing 500,000 visitors to the street on any given day.
Sadiq Khan on Oxford Street, where the ban also bars private hire cars, scooters and pedicabs, drawing 500,000 visitors to the street on any given day.
Pedestrians on Oxford Street, which generates around £3.1bn in retail spending annually and will gain additional seating, trees and public spaces early next year.
Pedestrians on Oxford Street, which generates around £3.1bn in retail spending annually and will gain additional seating, trees and public spaces early next year.

One cyclist told to dismount by an enforcement officer obeyed for a moment, then climbed back on and rode off as soon as the officer's attention shifted. Others skirted the designated diversions altogether, taking Lime bikes and e-bikes onto the pavement instead. Long rush-hour tailbacks built up on surrounding streets, and one witness described the overnight atmosphere as "absolutely pandemonium". The scheme carries a price tag of around £150 million.

Michael Bolt of the Marylebone Association fears the surrounding area will be "ruined".

A stretch of nearly a kilometre between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street is now closed to traffic from 7am to midnight.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan compared the pedestrianised street to Times Square.

MoreLBCCyclists ignore calls to 'dismout' as they continue to ride down Oxford Street despite pedestrianisationThe IndependentKhan hails pedestrianisation of Oxford Street as ‘momentous day’ for LondonEvening StandardPictured: Cyclists spotted riding through Oxford St as pedestrianisation beginsMetroPedestrianised Oxford Street 'will be like New York's Times Square' says mayorEvening StandardFirst pictures of Oxford Street like you've never seen it before as new era beginsEvening Standard'The new Oxford Street is here': Britain's most famous retail hotspot is transformedThe IndependentOxford Street has become fully pedestrianised – this is what will changeGB NewsOxford Street bans vehicle traffic as Sadiq Khan praises 'truly momentous' day for LondonDaily Mail NewsOxford Street closes to cars under Sadiq Khan's pedestrian revolutionBBC News - LondonThe last bus down Oxford Street before it went traffic-freeLBCOxford Street pedestrianisation plan comes into force as mile-long stretch becomes traffic-freeThe GuardianHow will pedestrianisation of UK’s most famous shopping street work in practice?
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