- London mayor Sadiq Khan has praised early figures showing a 28 per cent increase in retail spending to £3.7 million following the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street.
- Footfall along the traffic-free stretch rose by 16 per cent during the opening week compared to half-term last year, driven by a 42 per cent surge in international visitors.
- Half of the 1.2-mile high street became vehicle-free on 26 October as part of a phased rollout aimed at avoiding disruption before Christmas.
- West End businesses reported immediate commercial gains, with Oxford Street Market Halls recording a 25 per cent rise in sales and a 29 per cent boost in visitors.
- Critics highlighted that figures were only published for half-term week, while accessibility campaigners warned disabled shoppers now face longer distances to bus stops and taxi ranks.
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