Oxford's controversial traffic systems spark debate

The panel: (left to right) Prof Danny Dorling, Clinton Pugh, John Mair and John Skinner

A city's traffic systems have been described as both "disastrous" and "an absolute dream" by residents.

Low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and the Botley Road closure were discussed during a panel debate at St Barnabas Church in Jericho, Oxford, last week.

One resident described the ring road as "the most dangerous place to cycle".

Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council's transport lead, said the authority was "acutely aware" and working to eliminate all road dangers.

Residents were able to give their views during the event

LTNs prevent traffic taking shortcuts through residential areas and are intended to make streets safer for walking and cycling.

But they have prompted protests, with bollards run over, burned and stolen.

On the panel were Prof Danny Dorling, from the University of Oxford, independent candidate for St Mary's ward John Skinner, restaurateur Clinton Pugh and host John Mair.

Prof Dorling said he was "quite enjoying" the Botley Road closure because he often cycled to the train station.

"The joy that the last little bit, when you're not dicing with death through all that traffic going under the bridge, it's magical sometimes," he said.

He questioned "at what point we're going to realise we should just never open up that access route again".

A resident from Abbey Road said the closure had been "an absolute dream in terms of the ability to go in and out" but another warned that people should have "sympathy" for the Botley Road businesses that "are down in trade".

Mr Skinner described LTNs as "disastrous", saying the impact on people had been "huge", with "routine delays" of carers and emergency services.

One local man said the ring road was "the most dangerous place to cycle", adding: "There are some bike lanes but whenever you really want one at a junction, they miraculously disappear."

The debate was hosted in St Barnabas church in Jericho

The council has said it is planning a traffic filters trial on six streets in the autumn "to cut traffic, make buses faster and more reliable, and to enable new and improved bus routes".

Mr Gant said: "We are acutely aware of the dangers on our roads, particularly the most vulnerable users such as pedestrians and cyclists, especially after the tragic loss of eight lives in January."

He added that, as a "small medieval city", Oxford "was not designed for the amount of traffic it has to cope with today".

"The only way to tackle this congestion is to reduce the number of cars on our roads and we will do that when our traffic filter trial begins later this year," he said. "LTNs have delivered huge benefits to many of our residents."

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