Oxford Street Officially Goes Car-Free! Could Malta Do The Same?

One of London’s most famous shopping streets has officially gone car-free, marking a major change in how people experience the heart of the British capital.

As of Monday, 26th October 2026, almost one kilometre of Oxford Street, between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, has been closed to regular traffic, including cars, buses, taxis and bicycles.

The project, backed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, aims to create a cleaner, safer and more pedestrian-friendly shopping destination, with plans for additional trees, seating areas and public spaces.

However, not everyone is convinced. Concerns have been raised about traffic being diverted into surrounding streets and the impact on residents and businesses.

But could something similar work in Malta?

Malta has already experimented with pedestrianised spaces, including Valletta’s Republic Street and Mosta Square.

The latter sparked considerable controversy in 2024, when weekend traffic restrictions divided residents, businesses and local authorities.

While supporters welcomed a safer, quieter square with fewer vehicles, critics complained about increased traffic in surrounding residential streets, accessibility problems and potential losses for businesses.

The disagreement escalated when Transport Malta overruled the Mosta Local Council’s decision to stop the weekend closures.

Interestingly, the European Environment Agency’s 2025 report described Mosta’s pedestrianisation as only partially successful, highlighting shortcomings in traffic diversion, parking and alternative transport arrangements.

Oxford Street’s transformation raises an important question for Malta, where traffic congestion, limited public space and car dependency remain major challenges.

Should Malta introduce more car-free town centres, or would this simply move traffic problems elsewhere?

#MaltaDaily