County council responds to calls for urgent congestion management measures to improve bus services
Oxfordshire County Council’s new cabinet has resumed work on the urgent and pressing issue of congestion on the county’s roads.
In February, Network Rail announced a revised date of August 2026 for the re-opening of Botley Road. The delay means that the traffic filters trial, designed to ease congestion, improve safety and air quality and deliver faster, more reliable buses, could not be introduced in autumn 2024, as planned.
The county council has faced immediate demands to address congestion. Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said congestion was at “emergency levels” and demanded a “Plan B”. Others echoed those calls.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The county council’s cabinet takes these calls for action seriously. We need faster, more regular, cheaper bus services, and we need them now.
“The way to do that is to tackle congestion, which will of course also deliver safer, quieter, cleaner streets, and help key workers and businesses delivering vital services on our roads.
“We acknowledge the calls from our partners in the bus companies to act now, and I look forward to engaging on proposals soon.”
Potential options to improve travel conditions will be discussed by the newly elected county cabinet.
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Oxfordshire County Council aims to create a net-zero travel and transport system that enhances quality of life, supports the local economy, and protects the environment.
Key targets include:
- reducing 1 in 4 car trips by 2030
- achieving a net-zero transport network by 2040
- minimising road fatalities by 2050.
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