Acton Could Lose its Bus Link with the West End

Oxford Street plans could see Number 7 cut short at Marble Arch

Pedestrianisation would prevent the bus travelling down Oxford Street

November 26, 2025

The Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) have unveiled detailed proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street, a move that would transform the West End’s busiest shopping street but also bring significant changes to bus services — including the early termination of the Number 7 bus route.

Currently running from Acton to Oxford Circus and onwards into the West End, the Number 7 has long provided a direct link between East Acton and central London. Under the new plans, however, the route will terminate at Marble Arch, with night services also curtailed at the same point.

An eight-week consultation is now open until 16 January 2026. The proposals would ban all traffic — including buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs — from the section of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street.

Emergency services would retain access at all times, while servicing vehicles could enter between midnight and 7am to support retailers. Oxford Street is already closed to general traffic between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, but the new scheme would extend restrictions to buses and taxis.

TfL has pledged that all affected routes will continue to run at their existing frequencies, with new fully accessible bus stops provided nearby to maintain connectivity. A full equality impact assessment has been carried out to examine accessibility concerns.

The plans also include new pedestrian crossings controlled by traffic lights, wider waiting areas to accommodate crowds, and additional crossings at Oxford Circus and Regent Street. A contraflow cycle lane is proposed for Holles Street and Harewood Place, though cycling will not be permitted on Oxford Street itself.

Mayor Sadiq Khan said, “We need urgent action to give the nation’s high street a new lease of life and make it an attractive international destination once again. A reimagined Oxford Street can bring the world to London and showcase the best of London to the world.”

Business leaders have also welcomed the proposals. Dee Corsi, Chief Executive of the New West End Company, described the consultation as “an important step towards delivering Oxford Street’s transformation,” while Selfridges’ Executive Director of Retail, Meave Wall, said the plans would “enhance Oxford Street’s public realm and attract more people to the area.”

If approved, preparatory works to divert buses could begin in the second half of 2026, followed by public engagement on the pedestrianisation design itself. TfL, now the highway authority for Oxford Street, will coordinate with Westminster City Council on related changes to Regent Street and surrounding roads.

Residents and passengers are encouraged to share their views via the TfL consultation page.