Oxford Street is going traffic-free, and businesses now have a clear timeline to plan around. The first phase, Oxford Street West, runs from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street and is due to close the area to vehicles from October 2026.
For businesses on or near Oxford Street, one of the biggest practical changes will be deliveries, services and waste collections. Once the scheme begins, most waste operators will not be able to access Oxford Street during the day. First Mile is an exception: we have been working directly with TfL and have secured an agreed approach that allows our fleet and collection operation to continue servicing Oxford Street throughout the day.
When is Oxford Street pedestrianisation happening?
The first phase covers the stretch from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, including Oxford Circus, with traffic expected to be halted from October 2026 (as of August 2026). TfL has not yet published an exact start date, so the timing could still move slightly.
Once the changes are in place, general vehicle access will be restricted. Emergency access will remain open, while business servicing, including waste collections, will generally be limited to an overnight window between midnight and 7am unless a provider has an exemption or agreed access arrangement with TfL.
What does this mean for your waste collections?
If your current waste provider does not have an agreed arrangement with TfL, you should expect collections to move into the overnight window. That could mean additional on-site storage, particularly for cardboard, packaging and food waste, and careful planning to prevent waste being left on the pedestrianised street.
- Check when and where your waste will actually be collected.
- Understand whether your provider has agreed access with TfL.
- Plan for safe, practical storage if collections move overnight.
- Make sure recycling streams remain separated and properly reported.
Why First Mile is the best choice for Oxford Street waste collections
We have been planning for the changes with TfL and have ensured our collection operation can continue to access Oxford Street at the times our customers require. That means First Mile customers on Oxford Street will not need to change their collection times to overnight when the area becomes pedestrianized.
Recycling, food waste and general waste remain separated, with collections tracked and reported as normal. Our fleet will be able to continue as normal either using foot collections, zero-emission cargo bikes or other vehicles where required. Talk to us today to find out more.
Already with another waste provider?
If you already have a waste provider, you may be able to continue with them, but it is worth asking some straightforward questions now:
- Can you guarantee collections on Oxford Street during the day after pedestrianisation?
- Have you agreed access arrangements with TfL?
- Where will collections take place and how will waste reach the vehicle?
- What happens during busy periods, such as the run-up to Christmas?
- How will recycling stay separated and how will the collections be reported?
If the answers are unclear, now is the time to review your options. Switching to First Mile means you can have confidence that your waste collections can continue throughout the day, without your business having to adapt to an overnight-only service.
Oxford Street's pedestrianisation will change how most waste operators can service businesses on the street. First Mile is different. We have worked directly with TfL and secured an operating model that keeps Oxford Street businesses working smoothly throughout the day.
Oxford Street Pedestrianisation FAQs
When does the Oxford Street pedestrianisation start?
Traffic is expected to be halted along the first section, from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, from October 2026, with further pedestrian improvements following after that. TfL hasn’t confirmed an exact date yet.
Which part of Oxford Street is being pedestrianised first?
Oxford Street West, the section between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.
Will vehicles still be allowed on Oxford Street?
Private vehicles, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs won’t be permitted, though emergency access remains at all times. Servicing vehicles, including waste collections, get access overnight between midnight and 7am.
How can waste be collected if no vehicles can use Oxford Street during the day?
First Mile have secured an agreed approach that allows our fleet and collection operation to continue servicing Oxford Street throughout the day. If you're not a First Mile customer, you'll need to check whether your operator has secured a similar agreement, otherwise waste will need to be aggregated at a consolidation point just off Oxford Street, before being loaded onto a vehicle.
Is First Mile working with Transport for London on this?
Yes, we have been working directly with TfL and have secured an agreed approach that allows our fleet and collection operation to continue servicing Oxford Street throughout the day.
What should Oxford Street businesses do now?
Start by reviewing your current waste arrangements and checking whether collections rely on direct vehicle access to the street, then think about storage and speak to your provider about a compliant plan before October.
