Oxford: Thousands spent fixing vandalised LTN bollards

Thousands of pounds have been spent on repairing or replacing vandalised traffic bollards, new figures have revealed.

Since the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in 2020, Oxfordshire County Council spent more than £75,000 on fixing the bollards.

The measures prevent cars from taking shortcuts through some residential areas in Cowley and east Oxford.

But some bollards have been run over, burned or stolen by protestors.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods block residential streets using bollards or planters

The first LTNs were introduced in Church Cowley, Temple Cowley and Florence Park in March 2021.

East Oxford LTNs were trialled in Divinity Road, St Clement's and St Mary's areas in 2022, before they were made permanent in 2023.

The measures were put in place to make streets quieter, helping residents to feel more comfortable travelling by bicycle or walking, the council said.

Supporters have claimed they improve safety, but those against believe the restrictions threaten the freedom of motorists.

They have also been blamed for increasing ambulance response times and affecting teacher recruitment.

People took to Broad Street, Oxford in February 2023 to protest against the LTNs

Most of the costs were from intentional damage or theft, the authority confirmed.

It added a small portion was spent on accidental damage, such as vehicles knocking bollards while manoeuvring.

The figures, obtained by the BBC through a Freedom of Information request, stated that between January 2020 and January 2024, the county council spent £75,500 on fixing plastic bollards.

In March 2023, they were replaced with wooden structures at a cost of £86,000. Since then, the cost of replacing and repairing the wooden bollards has been £22,862.

Andrew Gant, the council's member for transport management, said he took the damage "very seriously".

"We will continue to make safe, and ultimately replace, all damaged infrastructure," he added.

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