From 21 September, Oxfordshire County Council will be carrying out traffic signal installation and improvement work to Islip Bridge to keep it safe, improve pedestrian access and reduce unsuitable through‑traffic in the village.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “The work is needed because the bridge has deteriorated due to higher traffic volumes, including heavier vehicles. Action is required to protect the bridge and ensure safe use for everyone.

“We appreciate that the scheme is likely to cause significant disruption, but we will endeavour to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible.”

The first phase, from 21-25 September, will involve temporary traffic signals for preparation works.

Phase two, from 28 September - 20 November, involves the full closure of Islip Bridge to all motor vehicles, including buses. A signed diversion route will be in place, although pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained at all times.

The work will include the installation of permanent three-way traffic signals controlling vehicle movements across Islip Bridge; narrowing the carriageway to three metres to protect the bridge structure; installing a new 1.5 metre-wide footway on the west side of the bridge; and traffic calming on the southern approach.

Drainage repairs, resurfacing, footway improvements and new road markings will also be carried out, while Mill Street will be made one-way in advance of the scheme.

Staff will be present at either end of the bridge during the closure to manage safety and provide assistance.

Access to nearby properties and businesses will be accommodated where possible, although short delays may occur.

During the bridge closure, the H5 bus service between Bicester and the John Radcliffe Hospital will serve Islip from the north and then follow the diversion via Kidlington Road, Bicester Road, A40, to Barton and vice versa. 

A shuttle service will operate between Barton and the bus stop on the south side of the bridge.

The work was scheduled to take place after the summer harvest period, when agricultural traffic flows are lower. This helps reduce the impact on the surrounding road network, supports local communities and helps reduce the risk of delays.

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Oxfordshire County Council has appointed GRAHAM to deliver the Didcot to Culham river crossing section of the Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure (HIF1) scheme. This is the third and final construction contract to be awarded for this scheme.

The project will enable more reliable journey times, improve pedestrian and cycling connectivity, support new employment sites and housing in and around Didcot, and help facilitate new and enhanced bus services.

The Didcot to Culham river crossing includes a new 3.6km single carriageway road between the A4130 at the existing Collett roundabout junction in Didcot and the A415 at Culham. It will include a new bridge over the Appleford railway sidings and a new bridge over the River Thames. Segregated walking and cycling facilities will also be provided along the length of the scheme.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “The Didcot to Culham river crossing will significantly reduce congestion in the area, and provide a safe route for walkers and cyclists. In particular, it will help relieve the congestion at the existing historic river crossings through Sutton Courtenay/Culham villages, and also at Clifton Hampden.

“These existing local bridges are old and not suitable for modern levels of traffic movement. They are often congested and subject to flooding in the winter months. This new crossing over the River Thames will help improve traffic flow, public transport journey times and reliability, and offer more resilience for public transport from flooding.

“The entire Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure scheme will give people more choice in how they travel, with improved conditions for active and sustainable kinds of travel which are better for everyone.”

Andrew Henry, GRAHAM Contracts Director, said: ““It is fantastic to have partnered with Oxfordshire County Council once again on another essential civil engineering project in the area.

“The Didcot to Culham river crossing is a complex project, which is ideally suited to our expertise. It will involve a complete overhaul of the current infrastructure, which is no longer fit for purpose, to deliver vital improvement works that support an enhanced quality of living for residents.”

Enabling works, including site clearance, archaeology investigations and utility diversions began earlier this year, and early construction activities are underway. Construction is expected to last approximately two and a half years.

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The Cottesmore footbridge, used by pedestrians and cyclists to cross the A4142 Eastern Bypass, near the Heyford Hill roundabout, has been closed for safety reasons.

The footbridge, which connects Cottesmore Road to Thomson Terrace and links to the Sainsbury’s supermarket, was closed after Oxfordshire County Council inspectors identified safety concerns with the structure.

A diversion route for pedestrians will be in place via the Rose Hill subway on a street-lit route, without any steps. An alternative shorter route to Sainsbury’s via the pedestrian crossing adjacent Heyford Hill roundabout is available but involves steps or a steep ramp and is not all lit at night.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We appreciate how popular this footbridge is, and how important it is for the communities of Rose Hill and Littlemore.

“However, our top priority is always the safety of the public, and we will not compromise on that. The decision to close the bridge has not been taken lightly, but it was the only option in the circumstances.”

Engineers from the council and its principal highways contractor M Group will now consider options to determine the best plan of action for the footbridge for the long term.

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Around 50,000 vehicles a day use the bridge, which is a vital part of the southern bypass and connects key sites across the city.

Alongside the rail bridge replacement, the Kennington improvements project will also provide a shared path for walking and cycling, a new eastbound bus and park and ride lane and improved flood protection for homes, businesses and crucial transport links.

The county council has written to the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Transport to highlight the importance of the bridge improvements and indicate the need for financial support from the Department for Transport’s new structures fund to close a £71 million funding gap. The remaining cost of the project is being met by the county council and Environment Agency.

The estimated full cost of the project, currently £180 million, has increased since work on detailed design began. Engineering challenges identified during this work, as well as inflation in the cost of construction materials, have contributed to the rise in projected cost.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “This project is essential for the future of our local road network, and it also works with the Environment Agency’s Oxford flood alleviation scheme, providing more capacity for flood water and protecting homes, businesses and crucial transport links.

“We have maintained the rail bridge since it was passed to us from central government, but the structure now needs to be replaced. We cannot meet the full cost on our own and we have therefore started work to secure national support to make sure this vital part of the Oxfordshire road network is replaced.”

In October 2024, the county council received planning permission for the improvements. Detailed design work, construction methodologies and all necessary surveys are now nearly complete.

The project involves replacing the bridge one side at a time, to retain access, under traffic management, throughout the construction period.

A water main and fibre optic connections need to be diverted away from the rail bridge and overhead electricity cables need to be considered during work. The site also includes a busy passenger and freight railway line which means that access needs to be planned carefully in advance.

The increase in cost is due to several factors with the main areas being:

• Inflation driving up the cost of materials, labour and specialist construction services.
• The need for complex temporary work to ensure the existing structure remains stable during reconstruction and the road remains open to traffic.
• Utility diversions including a complex two-stage Thames Water pipe diversion.

The county council is now preparing its case for funding ready for when more detail on the Department for Transport’s Structures Fund is provided. The fund was announced by the Chancellor in June to support the renewal of transport infrastructure across the UK.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme

The A423 Kennington improvements are closely linked to the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme (OFAS), a major flood defence project led by the Environment Agency which will create a new stream with a wetland wildlife corridor to reduce flood risk in the city and surrounding areas.

The scheme will pass beneath the new Kennington rail bridge, and the new bridge design allows flood water to flow back into the Thames. The scheme will also significantly reduce the flood risk on the Botley and Abingdon Roads as well as the main railway line that will keep Oxford open for business.

Oxfordshire County Council is a key delivery partner, and the scheme is funding the flood alleviation elements of the Kennington project. 

Kennington improvements

Kennington rail bridge is part of the A423 Southern Bypass. The bridge was built in 1965 and needs to be replaced due to age-related deterioration and the need for an eastbound bus lane.

• The structure was passed to Oxfordshire County Council as part of a de-trunking order made by the Secretary of State in 2003. Subsequent inspections carried out by the county council identified corrosion and over-rotation of the bearings. Replacing the corroded bearings is not possible due to the construction form of the bridge.
• The bridge lies above the same rail section affected by the 2023 Nuneham viaduct closure, which disrupted national freight and passenger services.
• The bridge has been propped at its piers since 2016 to increase its weight bearing capacity and is regularly surveyed and monitored, with the last inspection taking place in August 2025.
• The A423 Kennington improvement programme includes:

o   the replacement of Kennington rail bridge

o   improved facilities for cycling and walking

o   a new eastbound bus lane – also for use by vehicles travelling to Redbridge park and ride

o   increased capacity of the Hinksey streams for flood alleviation

o   maintenance work on the Kennington road bridge.

• Funding for the A423 Kennington improvements comes from multiple sources, including Oxfordshire County Council, the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Department for Transport, and the Environment Agency (through OFAS).
• The £1 billion Department for Transport Structures Fund was announced on Monday 16 June 2025 is part of a national initiative to repair transport infrastructure and road network in the UK.

For more information about this release, please contact Oxfordshire County Council’s press team at press.office@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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A new shuttle service will be provided for people affected by the re-routing of buses due to the weight restriction on Donnington Bridge Road in Oxford.

Oxfordshire County Council will use its own minibus fleet to provide the off-peak shuttle service – the 46A – from Mondays to Fridays, starting on Monday 14 October.

This will comprise four return journeys between Cowley Centre, Florence Park, Donnington Bridge and Speedwell Street in Oxford city centre to provide some connectivity for essential travel between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “The absence of buses on Donnington Bridge Road for essential safety reasons has been a huge inconvenience for people in this area who rely on public transport, especially those who find it difficult to walk longer distances to use alternative bus services.

“Our officers have worked hard to try to alleviate some of the problems and we’re delighted to be able to unveil this shuttle service to connect passengers with the places they need to be.

“By using the council’s own vehicles when they are not in use elsewhere, we are able to reduce the costs involved, improving value for money.”

The 7.5 tonne weight limit was imposed by the county council on Donnington Bridge in August after ongoing monitoring revealed that the condition of materials in the structure required further assessment.

As a result, it was no longer possible for three bus routes – the 46, BB1A and ST1 – to operate via Weirs Lane and Donnington Bridge Road.

This lack of bus services between Iffley Road and Abingdon Road meant that direct connections to shops at Cowley Centre and medical and leisure facilities on Abingdon Road have been broken. To improve this situation, the shuttle journeys will be timed to connect to service 46 journeys at Cowley Centre.

The council’s fleet of minibuses provide transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and adult day centres but are available on weekdays between 10am and 2pm to provide this shuttle service. Timetables will be available from the usual online journey planners and at bus stops in due course.

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Network Rail has been given four clear recommendations as a result of the report which has been conducted by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

One of the recommendations is that Network Rail should improve the process of evaluating defects. Oxfordshire County Council had previously alerted Network Rail to problems at the bridge.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “When there are issues with bridges over railways they tend to have ramifications for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists as they seek to move around the county. As such it is essential that Network Rail learns lessons for the future from this comprehensive report.

“The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been crystal clear as regards what Network Rail now needs to do to cut down the chances of type of thing happening again.

“On behalf of the people in this particular area of Oxfordshire and the wider county we would urge Network Rail to absorb what has been said and quickly act upon the recommendations. It is frustrating for everyone when issues that could have been mitigated or avoided lead to huge disruption to people’s day to day lives, as was the case here a year ago.”

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The additional diversion route has been agreed following extensive liaison between Oxfordshire County Council, the University of Oxford, and Oxford City Council.

Cyclists may dismount and walk their bikes through University Parks between High Bridge – often known locally as Rainbow Bridge – and Cox’s Corner, in the south-east corner of the park.

The local diversion will be made available to dismounted cyclists during school commuting hours – 7am - 9am and 3pm - 5pm, Mondays to Fridays. This route will be in place from Tuesday 5 September when schools return.

Outside these hours, cyclists will not be permitted within University Parks whether dismounted or otherwise.

Dismounted cyclists will only be able to use the designated route, which will be marshalled by volunteers during the hours of operation. Cyclists will not be permitted in other areas of University Parks at any other time.

The route is intended primarily for use by school children, but all members of the public are welcome to use it during the periods when marshals are present.

Marston cycle path has been closed since 14 August when Oxfordshire County Council began essential refurbishment work to Lemond and Fignon cycle bridges. Work is progressing as planned and the closure is estimated to last until 23 October.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “It’s excellent news that a solution has been found to make it safer for cyclists, especially schoolchildren, to continue to be able to use their bikes while Marston cycle path is closed for essential repairs.”

Professor Alexander Betts, University of Oxford’s Local and Global Engagement Officer, said: “We are delighted that the university and the councils have been able to work together to find a practical solution. It’s important that we support school children and other vulnerable cyclists to be able to get around our city safely.

“We’ve tried to balance this against respecting University Parks’ no-cycling rules, which we know are incredibly important for the many pedestrians who use the Parks.”

These arrangements will be reviewed after two weeks, to assess usage and compliance with conditions.

Outside school commuting hours, alternative cycle routes are available via Magdalen Bridge, which is the shortest route, and via Marston Ferry Road which uses quiet roads and segregated cycle paths.

Mesopotamia Walk will remain open to pedestrians during daylight hours as usual. This route is not appropriate for bikes and cyclists are urged not to use it.

The council leases Marston cycle path and the two bridges from owners the University of Oxford. Under this agreement, the council is responsible for the maintenance of the bridges and the work is being carried in agreement with the university.

Anyone wishing to volunteer their services as a marshal can fill in the forms online.

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The Oxfordshire County Council project, delivered by Milestone Infrastructure, was aimed at improving off-road pedestrian and cycle links between residential areas in the west of Oxford and the city centre. 

It connects major city centre sites including Westgate, Oxpens and Osney Mead with some of the city’s largest residential areas via a sustainable travel route.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “We welcome the completion of this project, which will encourage more cycling and walking by providing improved and largely traffic-free connections to Oxford city centre. We know that more people want to use active travel if it is made more attractive and barriers preventing it are removed.”

The Willow Walk scheme was designed to improve the bridleway between North Hinksey Lane and Ferry Hinksey Road. The improvement work involved:

• Replacing the Willow Walk footbridge with a wider deck for pedestrian and cyclists.
• Widening and resurfacing of the existing bridleway.
• Underground utility diversion to enable the bridge replacement works to proceed.
• Reconstruction of an existing culvert near the footbridge.

The scheme was delayed by rain and high water levels but the work is now completed and open to the public.

The Willow Walk project ties in with a new shared cycle path on King George’s Field, providing an off-road path for cyclists and pedestrians linking into the existing cycle network to Oxford from the west of the city.

The work, by Oxford City Council, created a new convenient shared cycle and pedestrian path at King George’s Field, as well as the widening and improving of the existing cycle path to ensure enough space for both cyclists and pedestrians.

The shared, unsegregated pathway provides a quick, convenient, and spacious route for cyclists and pedestrians travelling between Botley and the city centre.

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Stonework on the 16th century bridge, which carries the B4030 Station Road over the River Cherwell between Middle Barton and Lower Heyford, suffered a localised collapse last week.

As a precaution, temporary safety barriers have been installed to reduce the width of the carriageway. Maintenance teams are satisfied there is no need to close the road and no weight limits are required.

Oxfordshire County Council intends to carry out the stonework reconstruction work this summer, at the same time as it undertakes scheduled repairs to the bridge.

The council will work closely with colleagues at Cherwell District Council for the required listed building consent for the proposed work to the grade II listed bridge.

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Oxfordshire County Council, which owns and maintains the bridge, has narrowed the B4017 across the bridge and brought in a traffic priority system following a review of the structure’s load carrying capacity.

Cones and temporary signs are currently in place until vehicular barriers, permanent signs and road markings can be installed.

An inspection will be carried out as soon as access can be gained on to the railway to review the condition of the brickwork in more detail. This may require further restrictions to be imposed until the bridge can be strengthened or replaced.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance, said: “It is always difficult when these vital pieces of infrastructure begin to deteriorate but inaction is not an option. I am incredibly grateful for the leadership local county councillor Sally Povolotsky has shown in communicating the options to the community and their patience and understanding as we work to keep access as open as possible and the network safe.”

Oxfordshire County Council is working with Network Rail to gain entry on to the railway at the earliest opportunity to help manage the risks to the railway associated with the bridge, whilst minimising disruption to rail services, as well as to residents and businesses.

Investigations have recently been carried out to help determine the causes of the dips in the road at the northern end of the bridge, which are due to be treated alongside carriageway resurfacing across the bridge to help reduce the rate of deterioration.

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The original restrictions were brought in by Oxfordshire County Council in May after an inspection revealed stonework on the northern arch of the bridge – which carries the A415 across the River Thames in Abingdon – had become displaced. Temporary traffic lights were brought in to protect the damaged part of the structure.

In late July, the council moved the temporary traffic signals further apart to create a dedicated space for ‘active travel’, particularly cyclists and pedestrians, over the bridge. However, they have now been moved closer together to reduce the amount of time motorists will have to wait and to ease traffic queues.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “This has been an excellent opportunity to trial a scheme which encourages more cyclists and pedestrians to use the bridge sustainably. We know the benefits provided by the extra space was really welcomed by many people who felt safer as a result. We've learnt lessons from it and will continue to look at ways of increasing active travel across our network as we try to cut emissions and improve health and safety.

“We recognise that the end of the school holidays means we have to modify the scheme for the benefit of all road users, and I would like to thank the public who took part in our consultation for taking the time to give us their valuable feedback.”

It is likely to be several months before work can start on repairing the bridge and possibly more than a year before it is completed. The complex nature of repairing this historic bridge, which was built in the 15th century, and uncertainty over the availability of subcontractors with the specialist skills, are factors in the amount of time the work will take.

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The restrictions were introduced in May after an inspection revealed stonework on the northern arch of the bridge – which carries the A415 across the River Thames in Abingdon – had become displaced. Temporary traffic signals were put in place to enable vehicles up to 44 tonnes to continue to use the bridge safely.

From 26 - 30 July, Oxfordshire County Council will move the current temporary traffic signals further apart to either end of Abingdon Bridge – near to Thames Street in the north and the Rye Farm car park in the south – to create a dedicated space for ‘active travel’, particularly cyclists and pedestrians, over the bridge.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: "We are trying to see if we can turn an issue into an opportunity by allowing cyclists and pedestrians more room on Abingdon Bridge while it is partially closed for urgent maintenance.

“During this week-long trial, we'll keep a close eye on the effect these changes have on traffic in the town and, if it works, we will make them permanent for the duration of the repairs and possibly beyond.

“It is important that we try to positively embrace challenges and look at ways we can best use the road space to support sustainable active forms of transport wherever possible.”

Due to the delays caused by the temporary traffic lights, it is hoped that more visitors to Abingdon will use the car parks in advance of the bridge, or even choose to cycle. During the trial, the northern lane of the carriageway will be used exclusively by cyclists and pedestrians. There is currently no dedicated cycling provision along Bridge Street.

Drivers and bus passengers are asked for their patience during this trial period as traffic signals will need to stay on red for slightly longer because of the increased distance between the two sets of temporary traffic lights. Highways officers will be monitoring the situation and adjust the timing of the lights, if required, to minimise delays.

People are invited to have their say on the impact of the changes by going to the Let’s Talk Abingdon Bridge consultation page.

It is likely to be several months before work can start on repairing the bridge and possibly more than a year before it is completed. The complex nature of repairing this historic bridge, which was built in the 15th century, and uncertainty over the availability of subcontractors with the specialist skills, are factors in the amount of time the work will take.

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Stonework to the eastern side of the northern arch of the bridge – which carries the A415 across the River Thames – has become displaced, reducing the bridges strength in this area.

Temporary traffic signals are in place to enable vehicles up to 44 tonnes to continue to use the bridge safely by avoiding the weakened area.

The introduction of the temporary traffic signals required the pelican crossing to the north to be turned off, together with the Market Place traffic signals at the junction of Bridge Street and High Street.

The repairs will require the use of a specialist subcontractor and advice from Historic England, due to this being a scheduled monument, and the Environment Agency, as access will be required from the River Thames below.

The timescales for this repair work have not yet been fully established, but it is likely to be at least six months before work can start and possibly more than a year before a satisfactory repair is completed and the temporary traffic signals can be removed.

The complex nature of repairing this historic bridge, which was built in the 15^th century, and uncertainty over the availability of subcontractors with the specialist skills, will be factors in the amount of time the work will take.

Oxfordshire County Council took the decision to close a section of Bloxham Road after recently observing deterioration of the bridge. Action was needed due to the large number of HGVs using the route and the risk of significant further damage before suitable measures could be put in place to stop heavy vehicles from using the bridge, such as a physical width restriction with appropriate advance signage.

Given the severity of the deterioration, weight restriction signage alone – which is often ignored – was not considered appropriate.

The bridge will need to be partially reconstructed to bring it up to full load carrying capacity. This is likely to take more than a year to arrange.

Oxfordshire County Council is now planning to install a physical width restriction of two metres (6ft 6in) to prevent vehicles of over three tonnes using the bridge but enabling the road to be reopened to the majority of cars. This may take a few months to arrange.

The bridge will remain open to pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists.

The work is part of the first phase of the A4095 road realignment project, which will see two structures built to enable access both over and under the railway, connecting two sides of a new area of housing in north-west Bicester.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “This scheme will help deliver positive impacts on the lives of local people of a growing community. It will allow people in this area of Bicester to adopt environmentally responsible forms of travel with options and infrastructure to enable cycling and walking. Our goal is to offer infrastructure which combines benefits of active travel with reducing congestion.”

As well as the new underbridge, there will be a separate pedestrian underpass further to the north. The work involves building a steel bridge under the railway and a separate concrete underpass further north under the line. The completion of both structures will enable the building of the newly aligned A4095 road.

The completion of both structures will contribute to one of the scheme’s overall aims – to reduce traffic through Bicester town centre. It will also improve road safety, support better public transport and encourage new and existing residents to use more sustainable transport with enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes, which are all key elements of Bicester garden town.

The underpass will allow a new bridleway to connect the two sides of the proposed development site allowing for better connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians. The scheme will also unlock land to enable housing development and associated community facilities to the north-west of the garden town and support healthy new town principles.

The work is being delivered by Network Rail along with Story Contracting. The new infrastructure has been designed by Stantec and is being funded by Homes England and the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal.

Work on the underbridge bridge will go ahead this Easter between 2 April and 5 April over a 101 hour period to keep rail disruption to the absolute minimum. There will be some movement of goods vehicles around the area of construction to the south of Bucknell Road and west of Howes Lane but no road closures are expected. 

The railway between Bicester North and Banbury will be closed while the structures are installed under the railway. From 23:59 on Thursday the 1 April until 06:00 on Tuesday 6 April, trains to London Marylebone will be diverted via Oxford and a replacement bus service will run between Bicester North and Banbury, calling at Kings Sutton. Those travelling by train over the Easter weekend are advised to leave more time to travel and to check their journey with their train operator or on the National Rail website.

With over 1,600 miles of public rights of way and almost 3,000 miles of road to look after across the county, we need your help – tell us how we can help you fix your street at https://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk/.

While the cameras were under test, in September 2017, 90 overweight vehicles were caught on Newbridge, part of the A415. By July 2018 (the best month so far) only 19 were caught.

Between 30 September and 12 October, this year, not a single overweight vehicle was caught on the bridge.

By monitoring and restricting heavy vehicles over Newbridge – one of the oldest crossing the Thames – the council hopes to reduce the risk of structural damage, the need for costly repairs, and improve efficiency of road infrastructure.

Oxfordshire County Council officially ‘switched on’ Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras on 19 October 2017 as part of its commitment to improve and protect transport links.

The cameras use optical character recognition on images to read vehicle registrations. No vehicles, of any kind, that have a ‘Maximum Gross Weight’ of more than 18-tonnes are permitted to cross the bridge.

Every vehicle identified is traced back to its registered keeper by the county council’s Trading Standards team, and 515 warning letters have been issued to registered keepers and drivers.

The county council prefers to deal with most breaches with advice and warnings. The level of re-offending is low but significant breaches and persistent offenders are considered for prosecution.

A maximum fine of £1,000 can be levied by Magistrates for a breach. So far, six of the most serious breaches have resulted in the prosecution of drivers, resulting in £2,473 in fines and costs.

The fines do not come to the county council but the costs recovered from convicted drivers are fed straight back into enforcement. A significant number of cases are currently under active investigation, with others awaiting a decision to prosecute.

Kate Davies, from Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards, said: “We are committed to protecting this irreplaceable historic bridge, a key part of our transport infrastructure, and this technology allows us to do just that.

“The bridge now needs less maintenance and fewer repairs, benefitting residents and council tax payers. Repair costs come from council resources.”

Drivers of heavy vehicles can find help at the Freight Gateway, an internet tool which helps with route planning. Details can be found on Oxfordshire County Council’s website:

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/weight-restriction-enforcement.

History of Newbridge

Newbridge is a 13th century bridge, one of two oldest surviving bridges across the Thames. It was built by Benedictine monks from Deerhurst Priory on the orders of King John to improve access between the wool towns in the south of England, and the Cotswold farms. During the Civil War, the bridge was the scene of a battle when Parliamentarian William Waller attempted to cross it to surround Oxford and capture King Charles, but was defeated.

Over time, infractions have led to damage to this fragile structure that wasn’t designed to carry modern traffic, although weight restrictions have been in place since 2006.

Since CCTV was introduced at Newbridge last November, 628 overweight vehicles have been caught on camera; 358 of these were during 2018.

They are still working on returning the structure to its former glory, but you can see that it's already looking very smart and the all-important arch is now in good shape.

As you can see from the interesting animated GIF above, everything is fixed and back in order now.