Combating congestion in Oxfordshire

For many, congestion is the bane of 21st existence. But now, one English country is introducing some bold new plans to tackle it.

Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council have recently declared their fresh plans to cut congestion on all of the main routes into Oxford.

The proposed introduction of “bus gates” — which are sections of road usable only by buses, taxis, and bikes — would work to restrict car traffic in and out of the city. This, say the local authorities, should reduce journey times as well as allow road space to be used as walking routes.

The “Connecting Oxford” proposal has also outlined plans to introduce high-frequency bus routes and better cycling routes.

Those with workplace parking would also need to pay a charge. It is hoped that this could discourage people from driving to work.

Cllr. Yvonne Constance, at Oxfordshire Country Council, says, “The predicted growth in journeys as new jobs are created in the city means that doing nothing is not an option. We need to take bold steps to tackle the congestion problem and improve quality of life for people who live and work in the city.”

Cllr Alex Hollingsworth, at Oxford City Council, adds, “History shows that every 25 years or so, Oxford needs a transformative change to its transport planning. In 1970, plans to knock down parts of Jericho and St Clements for roads and car parks were rightly abandoned; instead, we introduced the UK’s first Park & Rides. In the 1990s, we pedestrianised Cornmarket and put the bus gate in High Street to cut congestion in the city centre.”

Concluding, he says, “We need another bold step to break the slow steady spiral of congestion and decline and instead create a virtuous cycle of improvement, with better public transport, safer cycling, and cleaner air on our streets.”

Do you think Oxfordshire’s plans to cut journey times and create better walking and cycling routes will work to create a better environment? Do you have workplace parking in the city and think the new charges will affect you? Get in touch below.

Written by Jasmin Collier