Radical ideas to tackle congestion in Oxford revealed

Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council have revealed a range of new ideas to tackle congestion in Oxford and take the strain off of the city’s transport infrastructure.

In 2016 there were 161,300 people living in Oxford, with that figure expected to rise to at least 185,000 by 2036 with urban extensions potentially adding an extra 37,000. This is in addition to a predicted 25 per cent growth in city centre journeys by 2031.

Therefore, Phil Jones Associates and ITP (Integrated Transport Planning) were commissioned last year to look at ‘movement and public realm’, and have now revealed a range of initial options, including traffic-restricted one-way streets in the city centre which would release substantial road space for cycling and the public realm while maintaining accessibility.

The options complement the proposed Zero Emission Zone and the proposed demand management options, including a Congestion Charge and Workplace Parking Levy.

Yvonne Constance, cabinet member for Environment and Economy at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The number of journeys being made in Oxford city centre are continuing to rise due to continued growth and the present levels already challenge the city’s transport infrastructure. The county and city councils share the same aims for Oxford when it comes to getting people around Oxford efficiently, improving air quality, reducing congestion and protecting and enhancing the city’s internationally renowned heritage and public realm

“The options would complement plans for a zero emission zone plans will see improvements in air quality in Oxford in the coming years. Nothing has been decided yet but any views people may have at this early stage are welcomed.”