Cyclists have run amok in the new 'pedestrian-only' zone at Oxford Street on the first day of Sadiq Khan's traffic-free scheme.   

The London Mayor hailed the move to pedestrianise the busy shopping hub as 'a truly momentous occasion for the capital' – but cyclists have been flouting the new rules by sailing past the obstructive green bollards and signs installed overnight.

Cars, buses, taxis, bikes and other vehicles are now banned from almost a kilometre of the central London road between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. They will instead be funnelled on to surrounding routes.

A team of security guards stationed at the entrance were trying to wave down cyclists and forcing them to dismount and push their bikes through.

But many, including delivery drivers and commuters speeding on e-bikes, ignored the instructions and whizzed on past the bollards. 

Exceptions have been made for deliveries, which can be made from midnight to 7am, and for emergency vehicles, which retain access at all times.

This morning puzzled commuters were stopping at the junction of Oxford Circus tube to photograph the new bollards blocking the road.

The situation overnight was described as 'absolutely pandemonium' by one member of the public who recorded footage of buses coming up against the new diversion.

Abiola Adebayu, who did not know this pedestrianisation was taking place, said it was 'unexpected' – and he was frustrated that the new zone had made him late for work at his talent and entertainment company.

He told the Daily Mail: 'It's very unexpected, I work on Oxford Street, so I’m now running late for work. 

'It reduces the danger of fatalities or people colliding with vehicles. So I would say it's a good thing, but right now, I'm just selfish, but I will come around to it eventually.'

Meanwhile, a barricade erected around builders trying to install the new bollards collapsed on pedestrians in a strong gust of wind, knocking a small boy who was caught underneath. 

Caroline Russell, who witnessed the barricade collapse, said: ‘They’re putting weights on the pedestals that the barricades are balanced in, but the way the winds blowing it’s going to be a bit of a problem. 

'I think they need to redesign it, they need some fins or something going in to keep people safe because you don’t want something that’s blowing over on people.'

She added: 'They just need to sort out a better design because at the moment it’s just like a great big sail. If it catches just a bit of wind it will blow over again, so they’ve got a bit of a problem.'

Around half a million visitors browse Oxford Street every day, spending a staggering £3billion at its tills each year.

Lord Khan claimed that for the past two decades the street has been 'in decline' – and pedestrianisation, at a cost of £150million, would allow it to thrive.

But fears have been raised that the diverted traffic will increase congestion in the surrounding roads and critics have accused him of rushing the scheme through before resolving key issues.

Michael Bolt, from the Marylebone Association, said he feared surrounding area would be 'ruined' as traffic is displaced.

He told the BBC: 'Wigmore Street is going to be pretty well crushed with traffic, and traffic will then have to move up through Marylebone to try and get through.'

One local councillor described the change as a 'disaster for local people' – and accused Lord Khan of pushing it through to meet an 'arbitrary deadline'.

Councillor Tim Barnes, Westminster City Council deputy leader, said: 'We're extremely disappointed that [the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government] have ignored legitimate concerns about the impact this scheme will have on central London.

'London deserves a world-class shopping district but I'm worried we're heading for an unmanaged mess.'  

Mr Barnes previously said: 'If this is going to be the 'greener, better and more prosperous' success that the mayor has promised, then issues around access, air pollution, street cleaning and public safety need answers urgently.

'Right now there's a danger that we will have all of the downsides and too little upside.

'Traffic will be pushed to the small streets nearby causing economic and environmental harm.'

But some on the street this morning were more positive about the new arrangement.

Roberto Bello, 57, said: 'I think it will be an improvement, absolutely. In other parts of the world, this sort of thing has shown to benefit in the long run and help businesses.

'I think it's just a matter of educating people, and if the results is reduced traffic in Central London, that would be a plus.'

Katrina Domkovsky, who lives in central London and works near Oxford Street, said: 'This road, it's not a nice place to visit, it's very busy with traffic and that can make it not a very attractive place to be, whereas I think it's a good idea to try and make Oxford Street, which is very famous around the world, actually, a destination in itself.'

Jack Taylor, 28, said: 'I think it's really cool, it's nice walking around without having to worry about the cars. 

'It’ll be fun especially come Christmas, you'll be able to walk down the street, it'll be really festive and jolly. I didn't think Oxford Street was that nice before. It was kind of chaotic, so I think we will get a calmer environment.'

The area has become increasingly popular as an office location thanks to the Elizabeth line and Lord Khan believes the scheme will help revitalise the site, boost economic growth and attract visitors.

Describing it as 'a new vibrant destination', he said: 'I'm hugely excited to see my bold vision for Oxford Street coming to life from today. It is a truly momentous occasion for the capital.'

He added: 'For centuries, Oxford Street has reinvented itself, adapting to changing times and helping shape British culture along the way.

'There has been talk of pedestrianising Oxford Street for decades. After so many false dawns, and now working with a Government who share the scale of my ambition, I'm proud that we're finally unlocking a new era for the street.'

He hopes the changes will open up the chance to bring new experiences to the street, from sport to fashion and cultural events.

He said: 'Revitalising Oxford Street will boost jobs and economic growth in the capital, unlock the full potential of this key part of the West End and help build a better, greener and more prosperous London for everyone.'

The move marks the first phase of a pedestrianisation and wider regeneration project aimed at putting Oxford Street among top global shopping destinations including Times Square, the Champs-Élysées and La Rambla.  

New bus stops are sited along Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place roughly 650ft from the traffic-free area.  

London transport commissioner Andy Lord suggested the scheme is creating a safer space for people to enjoy the retail and leisure.

He added that 'we will be closely monitoring these changes to make sure they are working for everyone and supporting the continued economic growth London needs'.

Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner said: 'This marks an exciting new chapter for Oxford Street, creating a greener, more vibrant place that will attract visitors and investment, support businesses and jobs, and drive growth in the heart of our capital.'

The scheme has the backing of businesses including John Lewis and Selfridges, who both described it as 'exciting', along with Under Armour and Grosvenor Property plus organisations such as UK Hospitality and the New West End Company.

Savills co-head of global retail Sam Foyle said: 'Alongside significant investment, it sends a powerful signal about the street's future, further strengthening Oxford Street's position as a world-class retail destination for leading global brands.'

Minimal construction will take place in the immediate weeks to reduce disruption in the busy Christmas period.

By the end of next spring, visitors to Oxford Street should see more than 50 new trees, two new public squares and better signage.

More than 100 new seats, dining tables and new lighting are also to be installed.

Oxford Street Development Corporation chief executive Nabeel Khan said: 'The transition phase is a vital opportunity for us to test ideas, learn from people's experiences and work closely with local communities, businesses and accessibility groups to ensure the future street is as welcoming and inclusive as possible.'