Mayor of London’s Oxford Street takeover could hit taxi trade hard as access concerns grow
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
Transport for London (TfL) will officially take over as the highway authority for Oxford Street, in a move that sets the groundwork for future pedestrianisation of one of the capital’s busiest roads from Saturday 20 September.
While the Mayor of London hails this as a milestone towards regeneration, many in the taxi trade will view it as a further erosion of essential access in a high-demand area.
Oxford Street has long been a vital artery for licensed taxis, providing access to major retailers, hotels and offices. The stretch between Marble Arch and Tottenham Court Road is among the busiest in the capital for pick-ups and drop-offs. Any restriction, particularly through pedestrianisation, will almost certainly limit taxis’ ability to serve customers efficiently.
Diminishing access to high-demand areas has already been flagged by industry bodies as a key contributor to the decline in taxi numbers across London. This latest step by TfL does little to change that trajectory. While the Mayor has committed to supporting growth in the trade through his Taxi Action Plan, practical changes such as reducing road access are not aligned with that goal.
The Mayor’s plan to eventually pedestrianise the western section of Oxford Street could further displace taxis from one of the few remaining central zones where demand remains consistent throughout the week. Although vehicle access arrangements will not change immediately, the long-term direction is clear. Regeneration proposals and public consultations have shown strong support for making the street car-free.
TfL’s assumption of authority will also see it manage highway maintenance, roadworks and permits. In practical terms, it may result in a different pace and approach to works, but it also centralises decision-making on future access restrictions. Westminster City Council will remain responsible for refuse collection and cleaning but will have less say in street-level transport decisions.
Taxi drivers and stakeholders within the trade will be watching closely as further consultations on pedestrianisation take place later this year. The prospect of al fresco dining and outdoor events may suit some leisure and retail interests, but it raises questions about how key public transport modes like taxis and buses will be incorporated into the future layout.
With the Mayor pushing to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation for the area by January 2026, changes could move quickly. Unless access for taxis is prioritised in these proposals, the wider taxi trade risks being left behind as Oxford Street is reshaped.
