Shoppers are having mixed reactions after Oxford Street became pedestrianised last week.
Since October 26, half a mile between Orchard Street by Selfridges and Great Portland Street has become traffic free.
This has now vastly changed how visitors move across the street to get to each shop.
Buses have now been diverted with some routes altered and new bus stops on nearby roads, including Wigmore Street, Cavendish Place and Henrietta Place.
The London Standard reported that the nearest stops are roughly 200 metres from the motor-free area, whilst the closest taxi ranks are 100 metres away.
Shoppers who need step-free access can use Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road stations.
Sylvia, an elderly lady who regularly shops on Oxford Street, lives nearby and is disappointed by the changes.
She said: “Whereas before I would get on the bus and get off at John Lewis, or wherever I wanted to, that would be less walking. Now, it’s more walking.”
Because of these changes, Sylvia said she won’t visit as often, and her shopping experience is much less enjoyable.
Some shoppers have reacted positively to the changes.
One shopper, Jasmine, said that transport changes didn’t affect her trip, welcoming the absence of traffic noise.
She said: “I think it’s good though, because people can cross the road without looking because they’re so busy shopping.”
While Paul, 36, was initially very hesitant towards the changes, his opposition has now softened, although he remains concerned about walking much further without buses along the road.
He said: ”For me personally, I don’t think it will affect the number of times, because when I come down here I know where I’m going.
“I’m gonna go to a couple shops, visit them, and then that’s it.”
The current layout of the street is transitional instead of being the final design, with initial changes being limited during the festive period.
ITV reported that Mayor of London Lord Sadiq Khan had acknowledged the lack of benches and places to rest.
He told ITV: “One of the complaints people have is the lack of places to rest. So I’ll make sure there’s more seating.”
Featured image credit: Nathan Zaroovabeli
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