London tested a new idea on Sunday: Oxford Street without traffic. Vehicles were banned for one day between Oxford Circus and Orchard Street, offering a glimpse of a quieter, safer street.

The event allowed Londoners, businesses, and tourists to experience a car-free environment before wider consultations on permanent changes. Supporters welcomed the calmer atmosphere, while critics raised concerns about congestion on side streets, access for emergency vehicles, and possible harm to local residents and businesses. Westminster councillor Tim Barnes warned the project could damage trade and limit mobility.

Yet similar moves across Europe suggest promising results. Copenhagen transformed its Strøget in the 1960s into one of the world’s first pedestrian shopping streets. Although shop owners initially resisted, the area flourished into a thriving public space. Barcelona has gone further, rolling out “superblocks” where traffic is limited. Recently, the city began banning cars on some large roads during weekends, allowing children, cyclists, and skaters to reclaim the streets.

London’s one-day trial may seem modest, but it reflects a wider trend. Pedestrianisation has repeatedly proven that fewer cars can mean cleaner air, lively shops, and more inviting urban spaces. That’s what’s right with the world.

Photo: wikicommoons