The Department for Transport has confirmed personal injury collision and casualty statistics for Great Britain. The trends are very encouraging for Oxfordshire.

Analysis of the data indicates that people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Oxfordshire’s roads fell by around 18 per cent compared with the previous year. Across the Thames Valley area as a whole, KSIs appear to have increased by approximately 20 per cent over the same period.

The KSI measure is generally regarded as the most robust indicator within the provisional dataset because serious and fatal collisions are more consistently reported and recorded than lower-level incidents.

In February 2022, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet approved funding to support the roll-out of 20mph schemes in communities across the county at no cost to town and parish councils. Since then, more than 275 communities in urban and rural areas have requested and implemented 20mph measures.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is extremely encouraging. Oxfordshire is bucking the wider Thames Valley trend, with serious and fatal casualties falling significantly at a time when neighbouring areas are seeing increases.

“This shows the approach we have taken in Oxfordshire is working. We have made a conscious decision as a county to take speed seriously because lower speeds save lives, reduce the severity of injuries, and make our communities safer and healthier places to live.

“Our ambition is for Oxfordshire to become known as the county that takes road safety seriously. Whether someone is walking to school, cycling to work, catching a bus, or driving through one of our towns and villages, everyone deserves to get home safely.

“The growth in support for 20mph schemes across the county shows that communities understand the benefits. These measures are not about stopping people getting around; they are about creating streets that feel safer, calmer and more welcoming for everyone.”

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “"These figures show real progress and the positive impact of our Vision Zero programme.   Day by day, week by week, year on year, more people in Oxfordshire are getting home without harm from road collisions.  The patterns are good across all indicators.

"There is more to do, and we continue to need more enforcement of the law.  To achieve Vision Zero requires more year-on-year work.  That's why we are working to tackle issues on particular A and B roads, working with our town and parish councils, and will be putting forward more proposals through the year."

Donnington Bridge has operated under a weight restriction since summer 2024 after deterioration was detected in inspections. It forms part of Oxford’s inner orbital route (B4495) and is one of a limited number of River Thames crossings within the city’s ringroad.

The council is bidding to government’s Structures Fund for £8m to fund a strengthening scheme that would restore full loading capacity and enable efficient movement of goods and services, improve public transport reliability, and reduce congestion. The council would provide £2m of funding to make a scheme total of £10m.

Since late 2024, the council has provided a shuttle service for people affected by the re-routing of buses due to the weight restriction using its own minibus fleet.

Cllr Liz Leffman, Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair said: “Donnington Bridge provides a key link between residential areas and major employment centres including Oxford city centre, Cowley, Headington and Littlemore.

“The weight limit that had to be imposed in 2024 has inconvenienced residents, disrupted bus services and heavy goods vehicle movements, increased journey times and decreased efficiency across the road network generally.

“That is why we have been working hard to put this bid to government together. We believe that we meet all of the relevant criteria and we are hopeful of a positive outcome. We want to see Donnington Bridge restored to full working capacity for the benefit of all road users and the residents of the city generally.”

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.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The programme was agreed by Oxfordshire County Council thanks to information gathered during a project to inspect and clean every highway gully in the county last year.

There are around 147,000 gullies across Oxfordshire. In April 2025, the council launched a programme to inspect every gully and catchpit in the county over 12 months.

Working with partners M Group and Drainline, all gullies were inspected and 135,254 were cleaned at least once – around 92 per cent of the total.

Some could not be cleaned, despite repeat visits, due to parked cars, or issues such as seized lids, and have been flagged for follow-up visits.

Others were found to have more complex defects and have been added to the latest programme for further investigation and repair, confirmed by Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repairs, on Thursday.

The additional £4m funding – taking the total investment to £9.42m – will help increase the number of drainage infrastructure repairs and investigations over the next two years and ensure that routine gully cleansing work is as effective as possible.

Cllr Leffman said: “Given the wet winter we had last year, and the extensive flooding that it caused, it’s important to maintain and clear gullies and make sure that broken infrastructure is replaced.

“We have a lot of broken gullies, due to many years of under investment. We know that by repairing them we will significantly improve drainage, particularly over the winter period. That’s why we have invested £4m over the next two years on gully infrastructure.

“This work will help to minimise network disruption, protect communities and property, and support safe, reliable travel. The programme will also prioritise preventative interventions, reduce reactive maintenance costs and strengthen our ability to respond to increasingly severe weather events.”

The programme will also see higher risk areas cleaned annually and others on a two-year cycle. Priorities are based on risk, using data from last year’s countywide programme, flood mapping and flood investigation reports.

The 2025-26 programme removed around 2,346 tonnes of waste from the county’s gullies.

The material was processed through a zero to landfill specialist waste recycling facility, where water was treated and discharged if not required for the wash plant, and sand and aggregate was recovered and re-sold.

Rubbish was sent to a materials recovery facility, followed by recycling or energy recovery, and nothing was knowingly sent to landfill.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council will carry out drainage improvements on Buttercross Lane from 3 – 28 August. The road will be shut from its junction with Willowbank while the work is carried out.

As the route is the only means of vehicular access, traffic management including marshals will be in place to manage the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “Residents have had to put up with flooding at this location for far too long due to a lack of proper maintenance by the developer prior to the road’s adoption by the council as highways authority.

“Officers have worked hard to come up with a solution to this problem, which was far from straightforward to resolve. Once completed, this should significantly reduce the risk of the road flooding whenever there is heavy rain.

“Although marshals will be present while the work takes place, there may be times when it is not possible for people to gain immediate passage through the site. When this happens, we would ask for patience and co-operation from the public.”

Before the project begins, survey work will take place to identify the depth of underground apparatus throughout the site. This element could result in some delays for those wishing access through the site.

Warning signs will be installed at the junction of Station Lane and Buttercross Lane two weeks before the start date.

During the work, one side of the carriageway will be left open, when feasible to do so, to allow residents to move through the site.

Temporary ramps will be installed on the kerb line to assist larger vehicles that need to travel through the site. This operation will be done under the guidance of one of the marshals.

Overnight barriers will be installed at the site while the work takes place, although one lane will be left open to enable the public to exit and enter Buttercross Lane.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council ‘s principal highways contractor M Group has welcomed the arrival of a 3.5-tonne highways maintenance truck – the first hydrogen-powered vehicle across the company’s 10,000 vehicle UK-wide fleet.

It marks a significant step in both M Group’s and the council’s commitments to reducing carbon emissions.

Compared to diesel, HVO and hydrogen fuel has significantly lower tailpipe carbon emissions by an average of 30 - 40 per cent. It also reduces emissions affecting air quality, such as nitrogen oxide, which support cleaner air across Oxfordshire.

While the fuel source is new, the vehicle is not.

Hydrogen technology specialists ULEMCo have retrofitted a standard maintenance truck, with the conversion funded by M Group. ULEMCo will also adapt a second vehicle, expected to be a medium or larger HGV, which will join the Oxfordshire fleet early in 2027.

Richard Lovewell, M Group’s Business Director, said: “M Group Highways has an ambitious target of being net zero carbon by 2040. We’re excited to be working with Oxfordshire County Council to trial practical solutions that can accelerate the journey to net zero.”

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “The climate emergency is the biggest challenge the planet faces, and we are committed to not only reaching our own net zero target as a council by 2030 but to enabling Oxfordshire to be carbon neutral well ahead of 2050.

“We are delighted to be working with M Group to trial this innovative technology which will mean lower emissions and cleaner air across Oxfordshire.”

The dual fuel vehicles will be used to transport crews and materials to sites to carry out repairs and improvements on Oxfordshire’s roads.

Highways crews have received in depth training on how to refuel, maintain and operate the converted vehicles, with a particular focus on driver and public safety.

The drivers’ experience – along with a host of metrics, such as costs and fuel usage efficiency – will help assess the overall success of the trial.

With HGVs and trucks contributing around 17 - 21 per cent of road transport emissions, Oxfordshire’s trial could be pivotal in accelerating the UK’s transition to hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Residents and visitors to Wantage are being asked for their feedback on design proposals to improve the town centre and Market Place.

On Wednesday 10 June 2026, Oxfordshire County Council will launch a four-week survey to hear people’s views on the draft designs.

The design proposals have been developed following last year’s community engagement with local residents, businesses and councillors to help shape a vision to enhance Wantage Market Place, while improving walking, wheeling and cycling.

Officers from the county council have since been working with the local community to explore how space could be redesigned to the make the town centre a better place to spend time for shopping, leisure or business. There is also a key desire to support business by improving loading facilities. 

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “It was wonderful that we received such a wealth of feedback and inspiration from so many people last year. I am delighted to see how this has been realised in a draft design to support better active travel opportunities and create a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible town centre in Wantage, which is safer for residents and visitors.

"We want this plan to truly reflect local community needs and ideas, as well as support an increase in the size of the market and enable more community events.

“I am very much looking forward to hearing how people find the designs and what adjustments can be made. We are working hard to make sure the final designs are not only practical but also accessible for everyone.”

From 12 noon on Wednesday 10 June 2026, people can take part in an online survey on the county council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire. The consultation will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July 2026.

The online survey will also be supported by two drop-in events for members of the public to find out about the project and speak to the team in person:

• Saturday 13 June 2026 – 10am - 4pm at The Beacon, Portway, Wantage, OX12 9BX
• Tuesday 16 June 2026 – 5pm - 8pm at The Beacon, Portway, Wantage, OX12 9BX

Feedback will help to identify any possible amendments that should be incorporated into the final design. The improvements will be delivered in two phases – construction on the West End is expected to begin in Autumn 2027, while the Market Place construction is anticipated to start once funding has been secured.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Quiet lanes are designated roads where motor traffic is restricted to make it safer for people to walk, wheel, cycle, wheel and horse ride. By removing through traffic, quiet lanes can reduce vehicle numbers and speeds, lower the risk and severity of collisions, and make minor roads feel calmer and safer. Access is maintained for residents, farmers, businesses and emergency services.

Picture: Leader of Oxfordshire County Council Tim Bearder on Shepherd's Pit Lane

Several quiet lanes already exist in Oxfordshire, and the new approach in Oxfordshire is an enhancement to existing Department for Transport policy, going beyond traditional signage-based lanes to achieve the safest outcomes.

New lanes will only be introduced where there is strong local support, including from parish and county councillors, for the measure and a suitable alternative route for motor traffic.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Quiet lanes are about making sure local roads work for the communities that live there, not as cut-throughs for traffic they were never designed to carry. 

“This new approach will help us to prioritise walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding, and give us a clear and consistent way to provide quiet lanes where there is strong local support. We will use evidence to make sure schemes are safe, effective and sensitive to their surroundings. By piloting schemes first, we can get them right before any permanent decisions are made.

“I look forward to working with parish and town councils and local councillors on this locally led and innovative programme.”

Oxfordshire’s new quiet lanes will prioritise physical measures supported by reduced speed limits, typically to 20mph.

All new schemes in the pilot will include:

• physical measures to prohibit through traffic, such as gates and bollards
• quiet lane signage
• speed limit changes

Overall journey times for drivers are usually only slightly affected because suitable alternative routes must be available.

The council will now work with parish and town councils and local councillors to identify and pilot new sites.

Each scheme will be subject to statutory consultation, which will allow measures to be tested in practice, evidence to be collected and designs refined before any permanent decisions are made.

More information

• The term “quiet lane” is often used to describe a road where signage alone indicates suitability for walking, wheeling and cycling. However, evidence shows that sign only approaches do not reliably reduce traffic volumes or speeds. For more information visit TRL's website.
• Quiet lanes also connect bridleways with public rights of way, benefitting horse riders.
• All newly proposed quiet lanes schemes will be assessed using a standard countywide framework considering safety, traffic levels, availability of alternative routes, environmental benefits and community support.
• Pilot schemes will be delivered using experimental traffic regulation orders (ETROs) and will be subject to statutory consultation.
• The quiet lanes programme is funded through a county council capital allocation.
• The council will invite parish and town councils and local county councillors to express an interest in the scheme and identify any suitable local routes.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The appointment is the second of three contracts to be awarded to construct the scheme, which will provide vital transport infrastructure to reduce congestion.

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 Clifton Hampden Bypass section will re-route traffic on the A415, around the village of Clifton Hampden.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “The A415 is a busy road that experiences a large amount of through traffic and congestion on the A415 to A4074. It runs right through Clifton Hampden, including past the village primary school. This bypass will completely transform that, moving traffic onto a new road to the north of the village. 

“I’m very pleased that we’ve successfully appointed a contractor to provide this much needed bypass.”

The bypass will provide a new single carriageway road, with segregated shared walking and cycling facilities, between the A415 at Culham Science Centre and the B4015 Oxford Road to the north of Clifton Hampden.

A new roundabout at the western end of the road will provide access to Culham Science Centre and Culham railway station. New junctions will be provided to the east of the new roundabout and the existing A415 as well as at the northeastern end of the new road.

Andrew Henry, GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “GRAHAM’s latest appointment by Oxfordshire County Council reflects our ongoing partnership with the local authority. We are pleased to have been appointed to deliver this important infrastructure scheme, which will play a key role in improving connectivity in and around Didcot.

"At GRAHAM, we bring a strong track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Oxfordshire County Council to successfully deliver this scheme and create lasting benefits for the region."

Pauline Schaffer, Director – Infrastructure Funding, Homes England, said: The appointment of GRAHAM by Oxfordshire County Council is another major step forward in delivering vital transport improvements for Didcot and the surrounding areas.

“Homes England’s investment through the Housing Infrastructure Fund is helping to bring forward the Didcot infrastructure scheme, unlocking much needed new homes and economic growth for the local area.”

Enabling works, including site clearance, archaeology investigations and utility diversions, are already underway. Main construction is expected to start in the Spring, and last approximately two years.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet today adopted its latest movement and place plan for the area. It outlines 13 objectives and accompanying actions to create long-term transport strategy aspirations for the area.

They prioritise people walking, wheeling, cycling and using public transport over private car use. 

Bicester is a historic market town, surrounded by villages set in beautiful countryside. It is home to the world-renowned shopping destination Bicester Village and innovation at Bicester Motion.

Currently 58,700 people live in Bicester and its neighbouring villages, but this is expected to rise to 66,100 by 2030. Further growth is expected by 2050, highlighting the need to address challenges such as congestion, air quality, rural accessibility, walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure and pressure on public transport.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “Oxfordshire is embarking upon sustainable and positive change – placing people, communities and places at the heart of this decision making.

“The movement and place plans, including one for Bicester and its surrounding villages, will be key to this. They reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities, help to protect our natural environment and deliver the homes, businesses and leisure facilities that our communities need and enjoy.”

The plan’s objectives include: 

• Creating a comprehensive walking, wheeling and cycling network that is coherent, direct, safe, comfortable and attractive by providing high-quality routes, improving lighting and surface quality, and reducing severance caused by busy roads and rail lines.
• Public transport improvements including better bus frequencies, improved interchanges and long-term rail enhancements, for example exploring the opportunity for a new station in Ardley.
• Supporting economic growth and innovation, harnessing opportunities to provide sustainable mobility and healthy living. 
• Protecting nature and the environment, with a focus on improving public spaces and strengthening community identity. 

The plan’s vision received strong support during a public consultation.

Cllr Roberts added: “This area has received several planning applications which are likely to bring enormous changes so these plans will be regularly updated to reflect this.”

There are 12 proposed movement and place plans for Oxfordshire that the council will be looking deliver over the next year or so. They will act as supporting documents to the council’s wider local transport connectivity plan, which was adopted in 2022. 

In January, cabinet approved a movement and place plan for the Science Vale area, covering Wantage and Didcot, surrounding villages and the employment sites at Culham Campus, Harwell Campus and Milton Park.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council has now formally entered into a contract with VolkerFitzpatrick to build the Didcot Science Bridge section of the Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure (HIF1) scheme on behalf of the council.

The scheme will provide vital transport infrastructure to reduce congestion and enable more reliable journey times, improve pedestrian and cycling connectivity, and support new employment sites and housing in and around Didcot.

The project includes four sections that incorporate improvements to existing roads, the construction of new roads, new walking and cycle routes, and will help to facilitate new and enhanced bus services.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “I’m very pleased that we have reached the stage where we have appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to build an important section of the scheme.

“This means work will start soon on this transformative infrastructure development. It will offer more sustainable travel options in and around Didcot and provide opportunities for more direct, faster and more reliable bus routes. It will also improve road safety and support the creation of new jobs and economic growth in the local area.”

The construction contract will include creating a dual carriageway along the A4130 east of the A34 Milton Interchange and a new single carriageway bridge across the railway line and Milton Road.

The dualling of the A4130 will repurpose the existing carriageway, using the current southern ditch to create a central reservation and adding two new lanes to the south. The existing A4130 carriageway will travel eastbound towards Didcot and the newly constructed lanes will travel westbound towards Milton interchange.

The three-span Science Bridge will cross over the existing A4130, the Great Western mainline railway, and Milton Road. The road will continue through the former Didcot A Power Station connecting back into the A4130 north of Purchas Road roundabout with a T-junction.

Paul Lilley, Strategic Projects Director, VolkerFitzpatrick commented: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver the Didcot Science Bridge, a key component of this transformative infrastructure programme.

“Our team brings extensive experience in delivering complex civil engineering projects, and we look forward to working closely with Oxfordshire County Council and its partners to create infrastructure that will improve journey times, enhance sustainable travel options, and support future growth across the region.”

Pauline Schaffer, Director – Infrastructure Funding, Homes England, said: “The appointment of VolkerFitzpatrick represents a major step forward in delivering vital transport improvements for Didcot and the surrounding areas.

“Homes England’s investment through the Housing Infrastructure Fund is helping to bring forward the Didcot infrastructure scheme, unlocking much‑needed new homes and employment space for the local area.”

Enabling works, including site clearance, archaeology investigations and utility diversions, are already underway. Main construction is expected to start in the Spring, and last approximately two years.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council and its principal highways contractor M Group are more than doubling the number of repair crews from seven to at least 16 to reduce a backlog of potholes caused by the weather.

Heavy rainfall and then colder weather from mid-December into January created a cycle of freezing and thawing – perfect conditions for creating new potholes.

The council aims to repair potholes within two hours, 24 hours or 28 days, depending on how big a risk they pose. About 875 of the 28 day jobs – around 35 per cent of the total – missed their deadlines by a few days because of the rise in reports at the beginning of January and other priority issues.

Crews have also faced many larger potholes, requiring substantial repair methods which – although producing high quality results – are more labour intensive and time consuming and reduce the number of defects that can be fixed in a day.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “It has been a difficult winter, but we are actively looking to improve the situation on our roads by making more resources available to repair potholes as quickly as possible.

“Our highways teams work very hard in all weathers and conditions to maintain the 3,000 miles of road for which we are responsible. We know how important the condition of our highways is for our residents, which is why we are taking positive action.”

Repair methods include two-person gangs cutting out and replacing the defective carriageway; a Dragon Patcher machine, which seals repairs with stone chippings and hot bitumen emulsion; and Bobcat machines, which can remove large areas of damaged road surface in minutes.

To reduce the number of outstanding repairs, the council and M Group are employing more sub-contractors, redirecting the Dragon Patcher to tackle safety defects full time, retaining the Bobcat crews for defect repairs rather than scheduled maintenance, and redeploying crews to where they are most needed.

More than 41,000 highways defects were reported to the council in the last 12 months, around 90 per cent of which were potholes. About a quarter of these were reported by members of the public through the council’s Fix My Street portal, with the rest logged during its own highway inspections.

Crews are also empowered to repair additional issues, which they spot while carrying out their instructions.

To ensure quality and consistency, 20 per cent of completed repairs are inspected to assess the completeness and workmanship.

The vast majority (97 per cent) of Oxfordshire’s pothole repairs are now cut square, joint sealed filled and compacted, to undertake a permanent fix first time. Contractors filled 37,042 potholes in 2024 - 25.

Members of the public are encouraged to report potholes using www.fixmystreet.com, preferably with photographs if it is safe to take one. Fix My Street reports are generally investigated within 10 days of being raised.

People can also log on to Oxfordshire County Council’s website oxfordshire.gov.uk to report potholes.

While reactive highway work is vital, particularly for potholes that cause an immediate danger, the council’s emphasis is on maintenance work to prevent potholes forming in the first place, which is much more cost-effective than repairing them afterwards.

It has invested nearly £14.5 million since 2024 on its largest surface dressing programmes for at least 20 years, treating around two million square metres of carriageway.

Richard Lovewell, M Group Business Director, said: “We’re working closely with Oxfordshire County Council to respond to the leap in pothole reports over recent weeks. We’ve brought in additional resource and are currently working to bring in even more gangs whilst proposing initiatives including Bobcat and Dragon Patcher repairs.

“Potholes are frustrating for us all, but please remember the crews working hard to repair our roads at all hours and in all conditions should be treated with respect.”

In recent years there has been a rise in reported incidents of abuse and threatening behaviour, including filming operatives as they work to post on social media, with a minority of motorists or residents taking their frustration out on roadworkers over delays as improvements are made to the network.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The county council and its contractor, M Group Limited, have been building a new road enabling access from the south, providing footways, cycleways and bus stops, and resurfacing.

Commuters and those travelling over the festive period can now drive into the west car park from the new access route up Tramway Road, using the new mini roundabout. Drivers can also drop off passengers on Tramway Road. Station Approach Road north and the station forecourt are now open for drop off and parking.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to reach this milestone in this much needed project for Banbury. Residents now have more choice in how they access Banbury Rail Station and, crucially, we’ve made it possible to improve bus access in the new year.

“If you are walking, cycling or wheeling, new footpaths and cycleways will make journeys safer. In the new year, the B3, 489 and 499 buses routes will begin stopping outside and we will complete work on an extra passenger drop off facility.

“Our ambition has always been to make it easier to get to Banbury Rail Station and take the train onwards and this new travel hub will make a positive difference to station users into the new year and beyond.”

Construction started in October 2024, with the new roundabout, new section of Tramway Road and the Tramway Road footpath opening for access to the industrial estate and football ground in June of this year.

Work has now been completed in the station west car park A, along Station Approach Road north and in the station forecourt, including new drainage, surfacing, lighting, fencing and landscaping.

The county council has also completed designs for a new drop off facility planned south of the new roundabout. Subject to land agreements, this will provide six bays plus one reserved for disabled users and is expected to be built in spring 2026.

Michael Stewart, Commercial and Customer Strategy Director at Chiltern Railways, said: “We have been working with Oxfordshire County Council to carry out significant upgrades to Banbury station, including new footpaths, cycleways and bus stops which will be transformational for rail users. In addition to this, there will be enhanced parking options for our customers at the station.

“Over the last 18 months, we have also opened a new café, toilets, and carried out a painting programme to improve the overall experience for our customers at Banbury.”

New signage will be in place to inform drivers about designated parking areas and that a ‘bus gate’ only route, restricting standard vehicles from Tramway Road to Bridge Street, is now live along Station Approach Road north.

Stagecoach Bus has confirmed that the B3 and 488/489 bus routes will stop at the Banbury Rail Station from Sunday 4 January, with updated timetables now available on their website.

Notes for editors

More information on the Banbury Rail Station access improvements can be found at oxfordshire.gov.uk/banburystation

Updates to the Banbury bus routes and timetables can be found on the Stagecoach Bus website: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/service-updates/serviceupdatesarticle?SituationId=ID-11/12/2025-16:37:22:832

The west station car park provides 118 standard bays, four disabled and three enlarged bays at the back of the station.

Drivers can drop off or pick up on Tramway Road or enter Banbury Rail Station via Bridge Street and use the drop off areas at the north and east sides of the station, with the north providing close access to the station front door.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

A number of school street trials to encourage safer, healthier and more active school day starts and finishes have been given the go ahead at an Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member decision meeting today – 11 December 2025.

The school streets trials approved are:

• Edith Moorhouse Primary School and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Carterton

• Harriers Banbury Academy, Banbury

• Willowcroft Community Primary School and St Birinus Boys School, Didcot

An extension to the existing school street for Sandhills Community Primary School in Headington has also been agreed.

School streets restrict motor vehicle access to the area near the school entrance during school start and finish times only and would be enforced by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Since the county’s first school streets were trialled in Oxford in 2021, our school communities have reported back to us on the considerable benefits that a comparatively small arrangement can make for the school gate environment.

“I am inspired by how positive the feedback has been from them – parents, carers and pupils enjoy a healthier, and a calmer and safer environment during the rush of school drop-off and pick-up. Residents on school streets are able to enter and exit their homes and start or finish the working day more easily without stress from school run traffic or vehicles parked blocking them in.

“Being able to park at a nominated site close to the school and walk the last little bit helps for people who need to combine the school run with other journeys. It doesn’t really take more time than queueing to find a parking space by the school and loses the stress of navigating other school rush traffic trying to get away to get to work on time.

“Some people have concerns about how a school street might impact them, and this is why we’re trialling them first. We want to make sure that school streets are a really positive experience for everyone.”

County council officers will work with the schools in the new year to implement the school streets trials. All households who may need an exemption for themselves, and/or a carer or family member will be written to later in January so that these can be arranged. Other considerations such as parents/carers needing exemptions due to their or their children’s disability or illness can be arranged through the schools.

It is anticipated the school street trials would begin in March. The school street restrictions and ANPR cameras will only operate during the approved times around school start and finish, on school days and covering the entry point.

Trialling the school streets will allow residents, schools and communities to feedback any aspects of the school street that need improving to help shape a better plan for the future.

Notes 

• The details of the school streets approved to be trialled are:

  • Banbury - Harriers Banbury Academy, 8.15am - 9.15am and 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Covering Harrier's View from the junction with Bloxham Road

  • Carterton – Edith Moorhouse Primary School and St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, 8.15am - 9.15am and 2.30pm - 3.30pm. Covering Carter’s Close, Edgeworth Drive, Home Close, Lavender Place, Richens Drive, Rose Close and Spurrett Gardens, and Lawton Avenue between Alvescot Road junction and Arkell Avenue/Rock Close junction

  • Didcot – Willowcroft Community Primary School and St Birinus Boys School, 8.00am - 9.00am and 2.30pm - 3.30pm. Covering Abbott Road, The Croft, Glebe Road, Kynaston Road between Mereland and Ridgeway Road junctions, Mereland Road between Abbott and Kynaston Road junctions, Richmere and Ridgeway Roads. Addresses in Sinodun Road, Abbott Close and Bridge Close in Didcot would also be exempt as they are reliant on streets within the school street for access

  • Headington – Sandhills Community Primary School, 8.00am - 9.00am and 2:30 - 3:30pm. Previously covering Terrett Avenue, Elton Close and Sweet Green Close. The trial will bring in Delbush Avenue – from the Merewood Avenue junction up to the Hill View junction to the existing school street arrangement. The existing trial school street for Sandhills community primary school in Headington, was approved to be made permanent at a cabinet member decision meeting on 9 October 2025. During its trial it became clear that there was a need to trial extending the area to include Delbush Avenue due to impacts from school run vehicles parking across the pavement in the Avenue

• Residents and businesses either in the school streets or whose access to their addresses is dependent on the school street can register their vehicles for exemption, and for specific vehicles that need to maintain access to their homes during school street times – such as carers. Other exemptions also apply including emergency vehicles, blue badge holders, certain service vehicles and carers. Oxfordshire County Council will publish more information in January. Any further enquiries can be emailed to SchoolsActiveTravel@Oxfordshire.gov.uk

• ANPR cameras are triggered by vehicles (not people) entering a set trigger area – in which case they photograph the vehicle’s licence/ registration plate details, and an automatic notice is issued if that registration is not on the school street’s exempted list. They do not record continuously and would be set to work only during the approved times stated above

• Officers will be looking at a range of mitigations identified during the recent consultation period including the opportunity to add a double yellow line on the Bloxham Road opposite Harriers View, to deter unsafe parking

• More information about school streets:

  • Report to cabinet  This webpage includes the report to cabinet and the supporting information documents relating to the proposals

  • Oxfordshire Local cycling and walking infrastructure plan

  • School streets (including details of existing school street locations and operating times, and exemptions)

• Oxfordshire County Council’s plans for a greener, fairer and healthier county are set out in Oxfordshire’s strategic plan 2025 - 28. School streets are a part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan. This aims to deliver a net-zero Oxfordshire transport and travel system that enables the county to thrive while protecting the environment and making Oxfordshire a better place to live for all residents

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council has topped the south-east local authority active travel ratings. The council has been announced as an active travel level three in the government’s 2025 ratings. It is one of nine local authorities across England, and two in the south-east to increase its rating this year. The grading by Active Travel England indicates strong local leadership and support, with a substantial active travel network for walking, wheeling and cycling in place.

As part of this grading, Oxfordshire will benefit from an increase in funding to spend on projects to improve pedestrian/mobility-aided and cycling infrastructure and opportunities. The total funding awarded over a four-year period from 2026 will now be more than £20 million.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This is absolutely brilliant news. It marks clear recognition of our efforts to deliver on an effective long-term network that connects people’s opportunities within the county not only for easier walking, wheeling and cycling, but also for better bus and rail travel.

“A crucial part of securing this rating is that local people are choosing active travel options that work for them. I am exceptionally proud of our county and steps we’ve taken to incorporate more activity into everyday life.

“The funding awarded is a significant investment into making Oxfordshire greener, fairer and healthier – enabling us to improve people’s travel choices and create a healthier, more accessible and attractive county. Opening the door to new businesses and jobs, economic success and increased opportunities.”

The government active travel capability ratings are graded from zero to four, helping councils to better visualise and work towards delivering excellent sustainable transport networks across the country. A key requirement is that they provide safe, high-quality walking, wheeling and cycling support. Together, this helps the UK to achieve its objectives for 50 per cent of all local journeys in towns and cities to be walked, wheeled or cycled by 2030.

In the announcement letter received by the county council from the government, Active Travel England assessors were impressed with the quality of the submission and recognised work by the council to improve provision in Oxfordshire. Like many local authorities in the country, the county council was previously graded at a level two – showing visible local leadership and support, with emerging network delivery.

Achieving this recognition supports the county council’s  strategic plan 2025 - 28. In particular it will contribute towards the county’s targets to create better spaces for residents and visitors in town centres and work with transport partners towards a countywide integrated rail and bus offer.

Ends

Notes

• Local authorities are given a rating between 0-4 (with 4 being the highest level). A breakdown of each rating can be found below:
  • Level 0 – Local leadership and organisational capability for active travel is not obvious, no significant plans are in place, and the authority has delivered only lower complexity schemes.
  • Level 1 – Some local leadership and organisational capability with basic plans and isolated schemes that do not yet form a plan for a coherent network.
  • Level 2 – Strong local leadership and organisational capability, with clear plans that form the basis of an emerging network with a few elements already in place.
  • Level 3 – Very strong local leadership and organisational capability, comprehensive plans, and a significant network in place with a growing number of people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle.
  • Level 4 – Established culture of active travel with successive increases in walking, wheeling and cycling, underpinned by a dense integrated network in place and highly supportive policies to give more people the choice to walk, wheel or cycle.
• Measures in Oxfordshire’s strategic plan 2025 - 28 set out how the county council will achieve a greener, fairer and healthier county. This is complemented by the central Oxfordshire travel plan and the council’s local transport and connectivity plan.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Work is being stepped up to make sure every highway drainage gully in Oxfordshire is cleaned and emptied this year.

In April, Oxfordshire County Council began its enhanced programme to clean nearly 145,000 highway gullies and manholes by the end of March 2026. By the end of October, 67,000 gullies had been emptied.

The £2.6 million programme is taking place after an additional £1.5m investment to improve highway drainage was approved in the council’s 2025 - 26 budget. The programme is being delivered by the council’s highways contractor M Group and specialist operator Drainline.

To meet the ambitious target of cleaning every gully in the county in 12 months, the number of crews has doubled from six to 12, working two different shifts to maximise the efficiency of the gully tankers and make use of quieter roads in some locations during the evenings.

Silt is removed from the drains using suction pipes and then they are cleaned with high pressure jets of water. Some have required digging out by hand where a lot of silt has accumulated.

Drain cleaning was previously carried out on a four-year cycle, although high priority drains – such as those in areas most at risk of flooding and on high-speed roads – were cleaned more regularly.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We recognised the need to improve drainage, especially following the flooding in the county last year caused by exceptionally wet weather.

“I’m pleased that, with the additional crews, we are on schedule to complete this ambitious drainage improvement programme. It is a huge task but one that will make a big difference to our communities as extreme weather becomes more frequent.”

The funding is being used to empty gullies, carry out improved drainage management, and repair the infrastructure connecting the gullies to the outlets. Improving drainage also helps protect roads by getting water off the surfaces, reducing the risk of potholes forming during freezing weather.

While gully clearing is important in reducing surface water, no drainage system is designed to cope with instances of extreme rainfall like Oxfordshire experienced in September 2024, when a month’s worth of rain fell in just 36 hours.

Motorists are asked to make sure their vehicles are not blocking access to drains when the work is due to take place, and to take care when driving past gully emptying operations.

Around 2,500 drainage gullies were unable to be cleaned when visited so far this year because they were blocked by vehicles. Drivers are asked to lookout for signs letting them know when work is taking place.

Richard Lovewell, M Group Business Director, said: “In October alone, 17,000 drains were cleansed. That's more than 10 per cent of the county's total, thanks to huge efforts from all involved. We're proud to be working with Oxfordshire County Council and Drainline to deliver this vital programme.

“We’re also grateful to residents who move their vehicles to help our teams access the drains, meaning we can clean more drains more quickly. This simple action makes a big difference.”

All tankers are equipped with asset management software that will collect accurate data on all drainage in the county and ensure efficient planning for future programmes.

The technology also records any drain or gully that cannot be accessed, for example due to a car being parked over it or a stuck cover. This ensures a revisit can be scheduled or repair works prioritised.

A schedule, which can be viewed on the council’s website, is in place for the tankers to travel all around the county to complete the programme. However, the teams will still react to urgent incidents of blockages or flooding.

Residents can report blocked drains and gullies through Fix My Street, which is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Feedback can be provided through a survey open on the council’s digital consultation and engagement platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire until 7 January 2026. 

The draft LCWIP, which aims to improve walking, wheeling and cycling around the town, has been prepared using feedback gathered from residents, workers and visitors using a map and pin exercise, which took place earlier this year, extensive engagement with a steering group of local members and a comprehensive review of background information.

The input was used to set out proposed improvements for local walking, wheeling and cycling routes over the next 10 years. The draft plan focuses on the connection of cycling and walking routes in Wallingford, improving accessibility within the town and connections with Benson, Cholsey, Crowmarsh Gifford, Preston Crowmarsh, Ewelme, Shillingford, Warborough and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We know the importance, and the value of making our travel more sustainable. We also know how crucial it is that we make the conditions right to allow people to make more sustainable travel choices when they have the opportunity to do so.

“Improving the routes in Wallingford and surrounding areas will enable more people to use alternatives to the car or public transport to make our roads safer and our environment healthier. This plan has been drafted using valuable insights that people have taken the time to share with us and it is now our intention to take those changes forward and make these routes the best we can.

“I encourage people to look carefully at the plan and share their impressions with us, including whether the most important walking, wheeling and cycling routes and improvements have been identified and what we can do to make the plan better.”

Feedback will be used to amend the plan. The final version will be presented to the lead cabinet member in Spring 2026 for a decision on if this can be formally adopted as council policy. If adopted, this will support future funding bids to improve walking and cycling in the Wallingford area.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The council is working with M Group Limited on the project, which will improve bus journey times and enable residents of Steventon and other nearby villages and commuters travelling to Harwell Campus and Milton Park to walk and cycle through the area if they choose.

The improvements include a dedicated eastbound bus lane, improved cycling and walking facilities and junction improvements at Steventon High Street and Trenchard Avenue.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “The Steventon lights project will make it easier and more attractive to take the bus, with the new bus lane reducing congestion and making journey times more reliable between Steventon and Milton Interchange.

“The project will also improve safety for all road users with new crossings and signals, and the new cyclist and pedestrian facilities will encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling.

“During construction we will keep an eye on local traffic conditions, including the A34, and will monitor our traffic management and reduce it if needed. There may still be delays at peak times, so plan your journeys in advance and keep up to date by checking our website.”

To prepare for construction, work has already been completed to survey and clear the area, divert utilities and clean all surface water drainage along the route.

The project will be built in six phases, with phase one starting on Monday 17 November.

A one-way traffic system will be in-place, from 17 November to 19 December, with traffic only allowed to exit onto the A4130 from Trenchard Avenue. The alternative route for traffic accessing Trenchard Avenue from A4130 is through Milton Hill.

Night work will also take place at the High Street junction, Trenchard Avenue and A4130 towards Milton Interchange, from 17 November to 3 December.

Phase one will finish on 19 December and there will be no traffic management in place over Christmas and New Year.

Phase two will begin in January with night work to remove traffic islands and daytime work to install a temporary roundabout at the junction of Steventon High Street and the A4130.

From January 2026, access onto and off the A4130 through Trenchard Avenue will be closed for the rest of construction, with traffic diverted via Milton Hill. Drivers through the area should watch out for temporary traffic signals and any new signage.

Work in the new year will involve widening the A4130 Abingdon Road, improving the Trenchard Avenue junction and installing new traffic lights, bus shelters and cycle parking.

The scheme is expected to take about one year to complete.

For more information on this scheme visit the county council website oxfordshire.gov.uk/steventonlights

Notes to editors

More information on the six phases of the project:

• Pre-Christmas 2025 work to install duct crossings and temporary footways overnight.
• Phases 2, 3 and 4 will involve carriageway widening, earthworks, drainage, footway works, signage, streetlighting, and surfacing.
  • Phase 2 will start in January 2026 with work to remove traffic islands and install a temporary roundabout at the High Street / Steventon Hill junction. A temporary roundabout will be installed at the Milton Hill/A4130 junction. Both roundabouts are subject to approvals. Work will take place in three main areas, located on the north side of the High Street / Steventon Hill signalised junction, the verge on the east side of High Street signalised junction, and the land to the south of A4130 between Trenchard Avenue and Milton Interchange.
  • Phase 3 will include works to the north side of the A4130, between the High Street junction and the pedestrian crossing / bus stops, and work on the south side of the A4130, to the west of Trenchard Avenue.
  • Phase 4 will include works on the south side of A4130, between Trenchard Avenue junction and the bend before High St / Steventon Hill junction. There will also be works to the north side of A4130 leading to Milton Interchange, and on the south side of Trenchard Avenue. Kerbing and drainage works will take place on the west side of High Street / Steventon Hill, leading south of the A4130.
• Phase 5 includes finishing works on the south side of the A4130, between Trenchard Avenue and the bend before the High Street / Steventon Hill junction. It will also include works to the north side of A4130, opposite Trenchard Avenue, and leading to the Milton Interchange. New islands and traffic signals will be installed at the High Street junction.
• Phase 6 includes works to the north side of A4130, opposite Trenchard Avenue, and leading to the Milton Interchange. New traffic islands and signals will be installed on the A4130 / Trenchard Avenue junction, as well as commissioning the traffic signals, completing surfacing, and laying road markings.

This is subject to change.

The project involves:

• Widening the A4130 Abingdon Road between the Steventon lights junction and the Milton Interchange to provide an eastbound bus lane and dedicated cycleway and footway facilities.
• Improving the Trenchard Avenue junction to increase capacity and allow for quality active travel infrastructure to support journeys on foot and by cycle.
• Adding new traffic lights with crossing points at Trenchard Avenue/ A4130 and upgrading the Steventon High Street traffic lights with crossing points.
• Providing real time bus information, including green-roof bus shelters and cycle parking to create a transport hub.

This project was known as Relief to Rowstock Phase One. Following feedback from the public consultation in October 2022, the project name has been amended.

Science Vale is a significant part of Oxfordshire with a concentration of world-class innovative research and enterprise. The area covers the towns of Wantage and Didcot, the villages of Culham, East and West Hendred, Chilton, Ardington, Harwell, Upton, East and West Hagbourne, North and South Moreton, Sutton Courtenay, Milton, Appleford, Long Wittenham, Little Wittenham, Clifton Hampden, and Berinsfield and the employment sites at Culham Campus, Harwell Campus and Milton Park.

For more information visit: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk /science-vale

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Meet the highways teams taking a more agile approach to maintenance and improvements in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council and its principal highways contractor M Group has deployed highways asset response teams (HARTs) to carry out minor repairs, cleaning, and other work in towns and villages where they are most needed.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Following concerns raised by our communities in relation to highway improvements and maintenance, we're taking a more proactive approach. This initiative strengthens our collaboration with local communities.

“These teams are equipped to deliver on the ground remedial work, addressing issues more quickly.

“By being present and responsive within the community, we’re not just maintaining infrastructure, we’re building trust, improving safety, and ensuring that local concerns are acted on swiftly and effectively.”

Work carried out by the HARTs includes cleaning street signs, removing damaged railings, clearing vegetation, resetting uneven slabs and kerbstones, cleaning debris from footways, patching road defects, repairing footway defects, and removing fly posters and redundant street barriers.

In the first 10 weeks of the programme the teams cleared vegetation from 313 sites, cleaned 213 signs, removed 63 illegal signs or posters, repaired 128 potholes, fixed 17 footpaths and completed 87 other tasks such as cone removal, general tidying up, and installing barriers.

Richard Lovewell, M Group Business Director, said: “We know that seemingly minor issues like dirty signs or overgrown hedges can have a real impact on how people experience their local area. That’s why we’re proud to be deploying the highways asset response teams to deliver fast, visible improvements that residents truly notice.

“It allows our skilled teams to ‘blitz’ an area, fixing a wide range of issues in one go. Results so far have been outstanding. Our teams love being able to make such a meaningful difference in one go, and the feedback from the community has been fantastic.”

Locations are chosen based on a high volume of reports to the council’s Fix My Street portal, engagement with town and parish councils, as well as places where temporary safety measures had previously been installed.

Areas visited so far by the HARTs have included Bicester, Banbury, Witney, Abingdon, Didcot, Wantage and Grove.

They also work closely with the council’s highways engagement team to keep residents informed, providing clear updates on what can be resolved immediately and what may require further action.

Cllr Gant added: “Over the coming months, we’ll be engaging more closely with town and parish councils to identify priority areas where their local knowledge and presence can help us respond more effectively to community needs.

“This evolving partnership is all about making sure resources are focused where they’re most needed, ensuring timely and visible improvements that matter to residents.”

Reporting road and street problems on Fix My Street, which is on the council’s website, remains the most effective way to report local issues.

Highways officers monitor reports daily and assess whether the locations are suitable for action. Providing detailed information, such as accurate locations, clear photographs, and measurements – where practical and safe to do so – greatly streamline the response process.

It helps the teams assess and resolve issues more efficiently, reducing the need for repeat visits and ensuring that resources are used effectively to deliver timely improvements.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The council’s Strategic Plan 2025-28 sets out a vision for shaping strong and connected communities, healthy places to live, and a thriving local economy that benefits everyone.

It details nine headline projects with specific goals in areas that residents have said are important to them, from a more responsive approach to road repairs to greater provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The plan was approved at the 4 November meeting of the county council.

Of the nine headline projects, three are focused on a greener Oxfordshire – creating better spaces for residents and visitors in town centres; working with transport partners towards a countywide integrated bus and rail offer; and creating two dedicated highways response teams to tackle issues in priority areas.

Three projects focus on a fairer Oxfordshire – rolling out a network of family hubs; helping people overcome barriers to employment through initiatives like Connect to Work; and supporting young people leaving care into employment.

The final three focus on a healthier Oxfordshire – increasing the number of children who reach a good level of development at age five; delivering more specialist school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND); and supporting an expanded and coordinated programme of youth provision.

Councillor Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our vision is clear: we want Oxfordshire to be a place where everyone has the opportunity to live well, where communities thrive and where our local economy benefits all of our residents.

“This plan is about delivering meaningful change over the next two years, building on our county’s strengths, tackling the challenges we face and delivering on residents’ priorities.

“We are committed to leading the way on climate action so that communities can enjoy cleaner air, a healthier environment and greater resilience in the face of a changing climate. Significant progress has already been made, but we know there is much more to do in this, the defining challenge of our time.

“Fairness is at the heart of our approach. Oxfordshire is a prosperous county but not everyone shares this. We are determined that everyone should be able to access the opportunities our county has to offer.

“Health and wellbeing underpin everything we do. We want all of our residents to be happy, healthy and safe. Our plan sets out how we will work with NHS partners, the voluntary sector and local communities to help children get the best start in life, create opportunities for young people to reach their full potential, and support older people to age well and stay independent for as long as possible.”

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the University of Oxford, Thames Valley Police and cycling campaign group Cyclox are teaming up to hold the Vision Zero road safety event in Broad Street on Thursday 6 November 10am - 4pm.

The day will include the presence of a large lorry cab, so visitors can learn about blinds spots, as well as a crashed car exhibit from Thames Valley Police to show what happens to cars in road collisions. Representatives from Lime bikes and Voi e-scooters, which both operate hire schemes in the city, will also be there.

Visitors will be able to explore a range of stalls offering road safety advice and information, aimed at protecting the most vulnerable road users.

Once darkness starts to fall, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police will jointly carry out its Be Bright, Be Seen operation, educating cyclists who put themselves and others at risk by riding without lights.

The University of Oxford will be providing a mobile bike mechanic to carry out cycle safety checks and minor repairs on a first come first served basis. The service is free, but users will have to pay for any parts.

Andy Ford, Road Safety Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Winter is coming and dark evenings are approaching quickly again. This event is about reminding cyclists that they have a responsibility for their own safety too.

“It’s about making sure your bike is in good working order, that you’ve got lights on your bike that are visible, and wear something bright to give other road users a chance to see you.”

The Be Bright, Be Seen campaign stand will be open throughout the event, while the community policing teams will be giving away free bike locks and offering bike safety and security advice, and information about the laws around e-scooters and e-bikes.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Vision Zero is our ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on Oxfordshire’s roads by 2050. No person should be killed or seriously injured as the result of a road collision, whatever mode of transport they are using.

“Education is a key part of this, whether you’re a motorist, a cyclist, or a pedestrian – or all three. It’s great to see so many organisations coming together in Broad Street to share advice and information that could help prevent lives from being lost on our roads.”

Cyclox will be there to listen to people’s thoughts about cycling in Oxford and to share information on rights and responsibilities when you cycle, as well as providing information on safe cycling routes in Oxford city. 

Ian Loader, Chair of Cyclox, said: “Cyclox exists to support more people to cycle in Oxford, more often and more safely, so we are very glad to support this event on 6 November alongside so many organisations who care about safety on the roads in Oxford. Let's get the number of fatalities and serious cycling injuries in Oxford down to zero.”

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure scheme will transform travel and transport in the Didcot area by providing more sustainable travel options in and around the town, as well as reducing congestion in the surrounding villages and improving air quality and noise levels.

The project includes four highway sections that incorporate dualling the A4130 between the Milton Interchange and Didcot, a new bridge over the railway line, a new bridge over the River Thames between Didcot and Culham and a bypass of Clifton Hampden village.

The project will facilitate new and enhanced bus services and will also feature 19km of new walking and cycleways. It will provide opportunities for more direct, faster and more reliable bus routes and improve pedestrian, cycling and wheeling connections.

Early-stage works currently underway include:

• Erection of temporary fencing, including tree protection measures
• Archaeological investigations
• Vegetation and site clearance to facilitate archaeological activities
• Set up of main compounds and site offices
• Utility diversions

Main construction is expected to start in early spring 2026.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “After nearly ten years in development, I am very excited to see the scheme approaching a key milestone – the start of construction.

“The work here will provide opportunities for more direct, faster and more reliable bus routes and improve pedestrian, cycling and wheeling connectivity.

“This will help encourage a shift from private car travel to more active and sustainable kinds of travel which are better for everyone, and a new crossing over the River Thames will help improve public transport journey time and reliability, by offering more resilience for public transport, from flooding.

“The Science Vale is a significant area of economic growth and is a "hot spot" for enterprise and innovation that spans both South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts. It is home to a significant proportion of the region's scientific, research and development, and high technology businesses. This is an investment, mainly from central government, in the local economy.” 

With the enabling works now underway, the council is also hosting a series of drop-in information events, across Didcot and the surrounding villages, where members of the public can view designs for all the sections of the scheme and learn about the emerging construction programme. The events will also provide an opportunity for people to ask questions and discuss any concerns with the project team. Further details about the events can be found on the council's website. 

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

People living in, working in and visiting Abingdon are invited to share their feedback on proposals to make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier along the town’s East St Helen Street, in a survey open until 28 October.

Oxfordshire County Council has drafted the proposals working with local groups including UK active travel charity Sustrans. The proposals will create safer routes for walking, wheeling and cycling across the area, including facilitating two-way cycling along East St Helen Street.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “As well as providing essential safety improvements for people traveling around Abingdon, this work would connect a missing link in a major national cycle route between the Thames Valley and Wales.

“We need to reduce the number of cars on the road in Oxfordshire, and projects like this one enable healthier, more connected, and more accessible journeys. We want walking, cycling and public transport to work for more people, becoming a natural first choice.

“I encourage people to take a look at our plans and share their thoughts to help us finalise a design that works for residents.”

The plan includes improved cycling facilities on East St Helen Street and new pedestrian crossing facilities on the High Street, Bridge Street and Stert Street.

The scheme proposes:

• Two parallel cycle and pedestrian zebra crossings for the National Cycle Network 5 (NCN5) route between Abbey Close and East St Helen Street. ​
• Provision for contraflow cycling allowing travel in both directions for cyclists on East St Helen Street.
• Two zebra crossings on High Street and Bridge Street.
• Raised tables to prioritise safer walking, wheeling and cycling at the junction between East St Helen Street and Lombard Street.
• Continuous footway providing step-free crossing for pedestrians and slow-turning vehicles.
• New crossings on East St Helen Street and West St Helen Street.
• Planting and cycle parking where possible.

The location has been identified as a priority in the Abingdon Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

A survey is available on the county council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire for people to share their feedback on the plan. The survey closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 28 October 2025.

There will be two drop-in events to view the information and chat to project officers, at Abingdon Guildhall on 11 October from 10am to 3pm and 14 October from 4pm to 7pm.

A report summarising the proposal and feedback from the survey will be presented to the county council’s cabinet member for Transport on whether to proceed at a meeting later this year. If approved, construction of the improvements would start in spring 2026. 

Notes

• The survey is available at: oxfordshire.gov.uk/eaststhelenstreet. 
  Paper copies of the survey can be requested by email to ncn5-cycleroute@oxfordshire.gov.uk or by calling the county council’s customer services team. Residents who wish to write to the council should address their envelope with Freepost OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL as one line in the middle with ‘Abingdon East St Helen St’ written in the top left corner.
• The drop-in events are open to everyone, with no need to book. Information materials shared at the events will also be published online, on Let’s talk Oxfordshire. The events will be held on:
  • Saturday 11 October 2025 from 10am - 3pm in the Old Magistrates’ Court Room, Guildhall, Abbey Close, Abingdon OX14 3JD;
  • and on Tuesday 14 October 2025 from 4pm - 7pm  in the Roysse Room, Guildhall, Abbey Close, Abingdon OX14 3JD.
• The scheme is funded by a UK Government active travel grant of £1,473,679.
• Measures in the central Oxfordshire travel plan and Oxfordshire’s local transport and connectivity plan are designed to make Oxfordshire a better place for everyone.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire residents, employees, businesses and visitors can view and comment on a draft local cycling and walking infrastructure plan for Eynsham and surrounding villages, incorporating ideas from public feedback.

Earlier this year, Oxfordshire County Council invited people to share their thoughts on issues with the existing walking and cycling provision in Eynsham and the surrounding area, and suggestions for how this could be improved. A draft plan, setting out proposed improvements for local walking and cycling routes over the next 10 years, is now available for comment until 27 October.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We know the importance, and the value of more active daily journeys for wellbeing. We also know how crucial it is that we make the conditions right to allow people the opportunity to make more active travel choices, if they can.

“In June, we asked people to let us know where their day-to-day trips could be improved by making some changes like a wider pavement, a level pathway or a better crossing point.

“These changes, however small, can join up a really effective travel network that we can all benefit from and enjoy, and help more people feel the benefit of daily activity. We are pleased to share the plan resulting from that feedback and look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.”

The plan focuses on positive changes for the village’s walking and cycling network over the next ten years, improving accessibility within Eynsham and connections with the surrounding area. This includes Begbroke, Botley, Cassington, Church Hanborough, Farmoor, Freeland, Long Hanborough, South Leigh, Stanton Harcourt, Swinford and Yarnton.

It also includes plans to link with the planned developments for Salt Cross Garden Village and West Eynsham. A survey is available on the council’s Let’s talk Oxfordshire platform until 27 October 2025.

Ends

Notes to editors

• Paper copies of the survey can be requested by email placeplanningnorth@oxfordshire.gov.uk or by calling the county council’s customer services team. Residents who wish to write to the council should address their envelope with Freepost OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL as one line in the middle with ‘Eynsham LCWIP’ written in the top left corner.
• Measures in the central Oxfordshire travel plan and Oxfordshire’s local transport and connectivity plan are designed to make Oxfordshire a better place for everyone.
• Local cycling and walking infrastructure plans (LCWIP) are designed to:
  • identify cycling and walking infrastructure improvements for future investment in the short, medium and long term;
  • ensure that consideration is given to cycling and walking within local planning and transport policies and strategies; and
  • make a case for future funding for walking and cycling infrastructure.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Residents are now able to apply for permits ahead of the launch of Oxfordshire County Council’s temporary congestion charge in Oxford, using an online permit registration system.

The county council’s scheme to tackle traffic problems in Oxford in the short-term is planned to start on Wednesday 29 October.

The temporary congestion charge will reduce traffic in the city during Network Rail’s extended closure of Botley Road, making journeys quicker, more connected, more flexible and more reliable. When Botley Road reopens, the council will be able to introduce its traffic filter trial as planned.

Cars with a valid permit will be able to drive free of charge through all six congestion charge locations in Oxford.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management said: “Oxford needs to reduce the number of cars on its roads to thrive. I am delighted that we have now reached this important milestone in implementing the temporary congestion charge in Oxford. Together with the significant reduction in congestion that we will see with the temporary charge, the permits will enable those who need to make trips by car, to do so much more easily.

“Thank you to residents, businesses and partners who have provided us with feedback on this temporary charge, including the consultation in the summer and representations to cabinet earlier in September. We have used this to develop the different types of permits available.”

People driving a car without a permit can pay a £5 daily charge to drive through the charge locations. The charge will be payable only once per day and allows travel through multiple charge locations per day, or any single charge location multiple times per day.

Any vehicle that isn’t a car – for example: van, motorbike and bus – will be automatically exempt from the temporary congestion charge and owners of these vehicles do not need to apply for a permit.

Permits are available for residents, blue badge holders, community health and care workers, mobile traders, patients with frequent hospital visits, and many other groups.

Following the public consultation in the summer, two new permit types were added to the scheme, allowing free travel for members of sports clubs or military training in the Oxford permit area and for pool cars owned and operated by businesses or organisations in the Oxford permit area.

To support their permit application, people are asked to provide evidence of their eligibility, for instance a proof of address, the V5C (logbook) for the car they’re applying for, or valid blue badge. All details are of the requirements for each type of permit are clearly listed on the permit application webpage.

Residents can get help with permit registration or apply by calling customer services on: 01865 519800.

With the money the congestion charge raises, the council will fund better public transport options and more travel connections locally, giving people more choice in how they travel.

Ends

Notes for editors

More information and how to apply online can be found at oxfordshire.gov.uk/congestioncharge
Frequently asked questions about the temporary congestion charge: FAQs 

List of available permit types:

• central permit area resident
• central permit area resident’s visitors
• central permit area workplace parking
• Oxford permit area resident
• Oxfordshire permit area resident
• blue badge holders
• disabled tax class vehicle
• personal car used by a community health or care worker
• organisational shared cars (pool cars)
• school car used for home-to-school transport
• organisational shared cars (“pool cars”)
• unpaid carer
• frequent hospital patient
• disability benefit claimant
• school student with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
• firefighters
• Hackney carriage or private hire vehicle (HCV or PHV)
• car clubs
• business car used as a goods vehicle
• personal car used as goods vehicle
• approved driving instructor
• hearse or funeral car
• central permit area sports clubs, nurseries or military training.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

A temporary congestion charge for cars at six locations in Oxford will begin later this autumn.

The decision was made by the county council’s cabinet at a meeting today (Wednesday, 10 September).

The scheme aims to reduce traffic in the short term while Botley Road remains closed, preventing the start of the traffic filter trial. It is designed to improve bus services and make it easier for those with permits, including carers, traders and blue badge holders, to travel by car into and around Oxford.

A six-week consultation took place on the proposals from 23 June to 3 August, which received over 7,000 responses. Feedback from the consultation helped shape the final proposals presented to cabinet.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Oxford needs a more sustainable, reliable and inclusive transport system for everyone. People have told us they want quicker journeys, more reliable bus services, and safer cycling and walking. In order to achieve that we need to reduce the number of cars on our roads. That is what the temporary congestion charge is set to achieve.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who responded to the recent consultation and previous consultations on the traffic filters scheme on which the temporary congestion charge is based. All of the comments have been considered by officers and helped inform the final proposals. We will continue to listen to people’s views and report on how the temporary scheme performs.”

A daily charge of £5 will allow cars without a permit to go through six charge locations on roads in Oxford. This will apply from late autumn when it is expected the scheme will launch. The council aims to have the scheme in place by 10 November.

Permits will be available for certain groups, including community health and care workers, carers, blue badge holders, and mobile traders. 

Following the public consultation in the summer, two new permit types were added to the scheme, allowing free travel for regular users of Oxford Ice Rink and for pool cars owned and operated by businesses or organisations in the Oxford permit area.

Details of the permit application system will be available on our website soon.

Cabinet members asked council officers to review how income generated by the temporary congestion charge should be used, to have the greatest possible impact. This could include other benefits instead of, or as well as, free Park and Ride fares.

More information about the scheme is available on our website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Excavation and earthworks start today (3 September) as part of the construction of new south-facing slip roads at Lodge Hill, which only has north-facing slips at present. The scheme will improve connectivity to and from the north of Abingdon, avoiding the town centre and making it easier for people to choose walking, cycling or taking public transport as part of their daily routine.

Early work to set up the site and prepare the area began in May 2025. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

To ensure the scheme is built safely, the council’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty, will undertake six different stages of work to minimise disruption.

The first stage involves removing the islands at the junction of the slip roads. This will create more space for construction vehicle access and movement. During this first stage of work, temporary overnight traffic signals will operate between 9pm and 5am on the A4183 and A34 southbound.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “The much-anticipated A34 Lodge Hill scheme will improve capacity at the junction, improving bus and car journeys, as well as making walking and cycling safer in the area.

“This is vital and much-needed investment to support growth in Abingdon. Once complete, it will reduce the amount of through traffic in the town centre, improving the environment for everyone.

“We have all campaigned for this for so long and it is wonderful news that construction has begun.”

Pauline Schaffer, Director of Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, we want to support public and private sector partners to unlock strategic housing sites where brownfield, infrastructure or land projects face delivery challenges.

“Through the Brownfield Infrastructure Land fund, we’re unlocking 820 much needed new homes in Abingdon with the construction of these key roads. Lodge Hill is a prime example of how we’re working with partners like Oxfordshire County Council to unlock the potential of new homes and regional growth in communities through improving infrastructure.”

Matt Parkes, Project Director at Balfour Beatty, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Oxfordshire County Council to deliver the A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme. This vital infrastructure project will not only unlock regional economic growth but also transform connectivity for residents and road users. Once complete, it will provide safer, more efficient journeys and support the long-term development of the wider area.”

Details of traffic management throughout construction and more information about the A34 Lodge Hill scheme is available on the council’s website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Residents are now able to share their views on Oxfordshire County Council’s proposals for more school streets initiatives, improving walking, wheeling and cycling experiences to some schools in Banbury, Carterton and Didcot. A survey about the proposals is open online at letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-school-streets until 13 October.

School streets is a popular programme in Oxfordshire, with nine schools so far implementing the temporary road closures around schools for most motor vehicles, during the school’s start and finish times. This creates safer, more welcoming spaces for children and encourages active travel to school, reducing congestion and improving air quality for local residents.

The council is asking for views about school streets proposals for the following schools:

• Banbury – Harriers Banbury Academy
• Carterton – Edith Moorhouse Primary School and St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
• Didcot – Willowcroft Community Primary School and St Birinus Boys School
• Oxford – extending the existing school street for Sandhills Community Primary School in Headington to include Delbush Avenue.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Transport said: “I am exceptionally proud of the success of our school streets programme and the great feedback we get from the schools benefitting from a school street. It’s an example of positive action to create a better environment for our children and young people.

“The benefits of an active journey to school are well known, helping set children up for a day of learning and boosting wellbeing. School streets bring extra safety and enjoyment to the final stretch of the school run.

“I look forward to hearing people’s thoughts on the proposals as this will help to shape the final plans so that they work best for everyone.” 

The county already has nine school streets – in Abingdon, Didcot, Headington, east Oxford, and south Oxford, with Larkrise Primary School in Oxford now benefitting from a 21 per cent reduction in car use for pupil travel to school.

School streets are enforced by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. Residents on the designated school street, and some other vehicles, are still able to drive through it during times of operation – including emergency vehicles, public service vehicles and blue badge holders.

School streets are developed in collaboration with schools. They contribute to a school’s travel plan, which could also include initiatives such as Bikeability cycling training, and park and stride (where parents and carers who need to drive for that trip can walk into the school street from a designated parking site close by).

Residents can request a paper copy of the survey if required by calling our customer services team who will ask a member of the school streets team to contact you) or emailing us. Residents can also share their views by email.

Notes to editors

• Frequently asked questions about our Oxfordshire school streets proposal
• The school streets programme is part of the council’s countywide Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP). The travel to school policy (Policy number 11, page 53) was approved at the council's cabinet meeting on 21 June 2022. It contributes to its vision to make walking, cycling, public and shared transport the natural first choice for journeys. It supports the 2030 LTCP target of replacing or removing one out of every four current car trips in Oxfordshire. 
• School streets are also a part of the council’s sustainable school travel strategy for promoting sustainable travel to and from school and college across Oxfordshire. This supports its vision to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people by enabling active and sustainable travel to school and college on a safe, ecofriendly Oxfordshire transport system. The sustainable school travel strategy was approved at the council's cabinet meeting on the 17 September 2024.
• More about the school streets initiative on our website:  About School Streets | Oxfordshire County Council 
   

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The Oxfordshire County Council LCWIP, which aims to improve walking, wheeling and cycling around the town, has been developed using feedback gathered last year from residents, workers and visitors using a ‘map and pin’ exercise.

Their input was used to set out proposed improvements for local walking and cycling routes over the next 10 years. As well as focusing on the connection of cycling and walking routes in Wantage, the LCWIP looks at a wider area including Grove and East Challow.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Improving the routes in Wantage and surrounding areas will enable more people to use alternatives to the car or public transport to make our roads safer and our environment healthier. This plan has been drafted using valuable insights that people have taken the time to share with us and it is now our intention to take those changes forward and make these routes the best we can.

“I encourage people to look carefully at the plan and share their impressions with us, including whether the most important walking and cycling routes and improvements have been identified and what we can do to make the plan better.”

Feedback will be used to amend the plan. The final version will presented to the lead cabinet member towards the end of this year/early 2026 for a decision on if this can be formally adopted as council policy. This will support funding bids to improve walking and cycling in Wantage and the surrounding area.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Last year, Oxfordshire County Council gathered feedback from residents, workers and visitors in Thame, via a ‘map and pin’ exercise to identify improvements to local travel.

Their input was used to create the draft local walking and cycling infrastructure plan, which sets out proposed improvements for local walking and cycling routes over the next 10 years and is now available for comment.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This plan has been drafted using valuable insights that people have taken the time to share with us and it is now our intention to take those changes forward and make these routes the best we can.

“I would like people to look carefully at the plan and share their impressions with us, including whether the most important walking and cycling routes and improvements have been identified and what we can do to make the plan better.”

Feedback will be used to amend the plan. The final version will presented for Cabinet Member Decision towards the end of this year and then be formally adopted as council policy. This will support funding bids to improve walking and cycling in Thame and the surrounding area.

The draft plan is available to view alongside a survey on the council’s digital consultation and engagement platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Cllr Emily Kerr, who represents Oxford’s Bartlemas division, said she is honoured to be chosen and can’t wait to get stuck into the job.

She said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be the new active travel and cycling champion for Oxfordshire County Council as I’m a huge supporter of making improvements to help us all get around more easily without needing to rely on driving a car.

“As a local resident in the vibrant city of Oxford I am proud to have great experience in walking and cycling in urban areas, and I am eager to learn more about what matters most for those travelling throughout our beautiful county and in our most rural areas.

“I am looking forward to engaging with countryside groups in the coming weeks. I’d love people to get in touch with me to share their thoughts for the best active travel opportunities.”

Her role will involve taking part in regular road safety working groups and workshops, both rural and urban. These were set up by the council after it adopted the Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on Oxfordshire’s roads by 2050.

Councillor Kerr takes over from Damian Haywood. The role has previously been held by Cllr Dan Levy and Cllr Andrew Gant.

She added: “I am dedicated to building on the excellent work of our previous county active travel champions and working closely with the council and local people to deliver evidence-based policy and high quality infrastructure that will benefit our communities.”

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “As someone who has held this position before, I know what an important role the active travel and cycling champion is. I’d like to thank Damian Haywood for all the valuable work he did while in this post, and I am looking forward to working with Cllr Kerr in the future.

“Her enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for the issues shine through and I am sure she will be holding our feet to the fire on all matters related to active travel.”

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council has today (24 June 2025) launched a four-week survey to capture people’s views and ideas.

Proposals are being made to enhance the area and improve accessibility, walking, wheeling and cycling. This follows a commitment by both Oxfordshire County Council and Wantage Town Council in 2024, to explore ways to make the Market Place more accessible and safer for residents and visitors.

Officers from the county council have been working with the local community to investigate how space could be redesigned to the make the town centre a better place to spend time for shopping, leisure or business.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “Our vision for Wantage Market Place is to create a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible space for everyone. We aim to enhance the historical charm of the market town while addressing the challenges of climate change. By improving opportunities for walking, wheeling, cycling, and using public transport, we hope to make the Market Place a healthier, friendlier and safer environment for all.

“The project is at an early stage and a design is yet to be developed. Tell us what you think and make suggestions to help us shape the project designs and goals. We would like to find out what is important to local residents and businesses and how we can make it economically and environmentally useful for future years.

“We’ll use what we learn, work with the community to develop a draft design, and come back to you for further consultation next year.”

People can take part in an online survey on the county council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 22 July 2025.

The online survey will be supported by two drop-in events for members of the public to find out about the project and speak to the team in person:

• Saturday 5 July 2025 – 10am - 4pm

Vale & Downland Museum (Barn Gallery), 19 Church Street, OX12 8BL

• Wednesday 9 July 2025 – 5pm - 8pm

Wantage Methodist Church (Chapel area), 20 Newbury Street, OX12 8DA

A further public consultation on the draft design will take place in 2026, with construction expected once further funding is confirmed. 

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The affected section is off Abingdon Road between Folly Bridge and Donnington Bridge, with further works taking place near Isis farm house. Work is expected to start in late June or early July and last until late September 2025.

A combination of signed diversionary routes and local towpath width reductions will be in place until the repairs are completed.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This work forms part of our commitment to invest in the county’s blue-green infrastructure and it will safeguard this towpath for many years.

“We realise how popular this towpath is, both as a sustainable route into the city as well as for the many walkers who enjoy strolling along the riverside.

“If there was any way of carrying out these repairs without having to close this stretch, we would do so. But the safety of users and workers is our priority and so we ask people to be patient and observe the closure.”

The repair work aims to restore damaged stretches of the towpath along the river and safeguard the riverbank. The work involves the use of machinery and extensive reconstruction, which is why sections of the towpath must remain closed.

About 120 metres of the affected stretch will be subject to piling work, which involves structural piles being driven into the ground to provide strength where the soil is weak or unstable.

For their own safety, people are asked to adhere to the signed diversions and observe obstructions along sections with width restrictions.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

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.

More information

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.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The enhanced programme began in Wheatley last month. Contractors working on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council are planning to clean nearly 145,000 highway drains, gullies, manholes and catchpits by the end of March 2026.

The £2.6 million programme is taking place after an additional £1.5m investment to improve highway drainage was approved in the council’s 2025 - 26 budget.

Drain cleaning was previously carried out on a four year cycle, although high priority drains – such as those in areas most at risk of flooding and on high-speed roads – were cleaned more regularly.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We recognised the need to improve drainage, especially following the flooding in the county last year caused by exceptionally wet weather.

“This money will be used to empty gullies, carry out improved drainage management, and repair the infrastructure connecting the gullies to the outlets. Improving drainage also helps protect roads by getting water off the surfaces, reducing the risk of potholes forming during freezing weather.”

Waste is removed from the drains using suction pipes and then they are cleaned with jets of water. Some may require digging out by hand if a lot of silt has accumulated.

It is expected that the work will cause minimal disruption, although there might be temporary traffic lights or manually operated stop-go signs in operation if lane or road closures are necessary.

Motorists will be asked to make sure their vehicles are not blocking access to drains when the work is due to take place, and to take care when driving past gully emptying operations.

The cleaning programme is being carried out by specialist operator Drainline on behalf of the council’s principal highway maintenance contractor M Group, previously known as Milestone Infrastructure.

Richard Lovewell, M Group Business Director, said: “We are proud to be working with Oxfordshire County Council and Drainline to deliver this crucial year long programme, which will improve our drainage systems and reduce the risk of flooding and potholes.

“With Drainline’s expert team and specialised tanker fleet, we are well equipped to tackle even the toughest drainage challenges.

“While we've designed the programme to minimise public disruption, I’d like to thank residents and motorists for their cooperation in providing access by moving vehicles. This support is crucial for our teams to perform their vital work, ensuring the safety and durability of Oxfordshire's roads.”

Capacity has almost doubled, with eight gully tankers working on the programme – six 18 tonne vehicles and two 26 tonne jetting tankers. The larger vehicles are used when an issue, such as a blockage, demands high volume or high pressure jetting.

Two of the tankers also work at night when traffic levels are lower, but only on rural roads to avoid disturbing residents.

All tankers are equipped with asset management software that will collect accurate data on all drainage in the county.

The technology also records any drain or gully that cannot be accessed, for example due to a car being parked over it or a stuck cover. This ensures a revisit can be scheduled or repair works prioritised.

A schedule, which can be viewed on the council’s website, is in place for the tankers to travel all around the county to complete the programme. However, the teams will still react to urgent incidents of blockages or flooding.

The council does recycle what it can from the waste. Using purpose built de-watering bays at its depot in Drayton, near Abingdon, water is removed and filtered. The de-watered gully waste is then dried, screened and graded, recovering as much of the original waste as possible and removing any non-recyclable contaminants.

These recycled materials can then potentially be used in highways work as filler material for resurfacing, topsoil replacement, or be fed into the production of recycled aggregates, subject to appropriate material and chemical testing results and stakeholder agreement.

Residents can report blocked drains and gullies through Fix My Street, which is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council last week (24 April) approved local cycling and walking infrastructure plans (LCWIPs) for Chipping Norton and Woodstock.

The LCWIPs set out how to improve the rural market towns’ walking and cycling networks, reducing the reliance on single occupant motor vehicles to help cut congestion between residential areas, the historic town centres, schools, public open spaces and local services and facilities.

Paul Fermer, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Environment and Highways, said: “These plans are designed to provide well planned, joined up connectivity and real choice for how people move around their communities. We are particularly keen to encourage independent, healthy travel choices among school children and young people.

“In rural areas such as these, cars are essential for many people to get around, and we’re not trying to stop that. We just want to make it safer and more convenient for more people to walk or cycle for short journeys, or as part of longer journeys combined with using public transport in these towns and beyond.

“These LCWIPs will help achieve a culture of walking and cycling, as they have done elsewhere around the county. This can create  thriving, healthy, inclusive and climate sensitive communities, where improvements enhance the environment that makes Woodstock and Chipping Norton great places to live, work and visit.”

The decisions bring the number of LCWIPs in Oxfordshire up to nine, following on from Oxford, Didcot, Bicester, Abingdon, Witney, Banbury, and Kidlington – and more are planned.

The approval of the plans is expected to make it easier for the council to negotiate funding from developers and the government to deliver improvements.

The latest LCWIPs were developed and amended through discussions with local councillors at parish, town, district and county levels and feedback from public consultation. They provide a long-term strategy for safe, convenient and well-connected walking (including wheeling) and cycling networks that are accessible for people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds.

The aim is for these networks to connect people to where they want to go, including improving routes to access public transport.

Hundreds of specific improvements are proposed in the LCWIPs, including the provision of crossings, narrowing junctions, implementing dropped kerbs and tactile paving, and creating more space for cycling. It is hoped the improvements identified in the plan can be delivered by 2035, subject to funding.

In Chipping Norton, the A44/ A361 New Street junction and London Road are the highest prioritised areas for improvement due to the positive level of impact they would bring.

In Woodstock, reducing the speed limit on part of the A4095 between Bladon and Hanborough to reduce the danger to cyclists and pedestrians is listed as the top priority.

The plans, which were developed following government guidance, will be reviewed every two years to ensure they reflect local needs. The level of change in cycling and walking numbers will be monitored and modifications made if necessary.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Last November, Oxfordshire County Council approved an experimental traffic regulation order to allow cyclists to use the pedestrianised street for a trial period of up to 18 months.

A public consultation will be held during the first six months of the trial to enable people to give their views on how it is progressing. This could allow amendments to be made or even for the trial to be ended early.

It will also form part of the considerations about whether the scheme, which covers the area from Market Square to Bell Lane at all times of the day, is made permanent or not.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “The aim of this trial is to increase the number of cycling routes in Bicester, making it more attractive to travel by bike and reducing the reliance on private cars for local journeys.

“We realise there are, rightly, concerns about cyclists and pedestrians sharing space, and we will be monitoring and evaluating the reporting of any incidents. We will stop the trial if there are any pedestrian safety concerns that cannot be addressed suitably and promptly.

“However, evidence from other locations where similar arrangements are in place show that pedestrians are not subject to increased danger as cyclists alter their behaviour to accommodate the shared space.”

Anyone wanting to offer their feedback on the scheme once it begins can email SheepStreetETRO@oxfordshire.gov.uk or visit the council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire online consultation page.

As a result of an earlier consultation, the council agreed to seek permission to have Fridays, the day of Bicester Market, as an exception to the trial. This request has been approved by the Department for Transport and will begin this Friday (28 March).

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council is asking for feedback on ideas that have been developed, and inviting suggestions on new ones, for the future of the city’s streets and squares as part of a Central Oxfordshire Movement and Place Framework project. 

The project aims to improve a number of public spaces, support a shift to more walking, cycling and public transport, and improve access to green spaces and water. It builds on the success of recent public realm transformations in Broad Street and Market Street, as well as ongoing improvement works on St Michael’s Street. 

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “This project is about imagining the Oxford that puts people first. Suggested improvements will be made possible by our plans to reduce traffic and congestion across the city, and these options show how we could create safer streets with more greenery and space for socialising.”

An initial list of locations that could benefit from improvements has been identified, including Carfax junction, St Giles’, Hythe Bridge Street, Little Clarendon Street and Summertown, among others. Improvements have been suggested for reclaiming street space for more creative uses such as enhanced paving, seating, play spaces and greenery; relocating pick up and drop off points for tourist buses; how buses move around and services connect together; school traffic; and how junctions work. 

This list of options has been developed in collaboration with local resident groups, civic organisations, public transport operators, landowners and transport user groups. 

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, added: “We have worked in partnership to develop an initial list of ideas. This is not set in stone but, so we can be ready to make improvements when opportunities present themselves, we want to have early conversations to check if we’re moving in the right direction. I’m looking forward to hearing if the suggested opportunities are the right ones and what other ideas residents have for the future of our beautiful city.”

The Central Oxfordshire Movement and Place Framework project is funded by the government’s Housing and Growth Deal and aims to improve the way public realm is planned and managed by considering transport, planning and regeneration opportunities at the same time.

Initial suggestions are available for review at letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/compf, with a survey open until 23 March 2025. 

A full report, including public feedback, will be published later this spring. Individual schemes will be taken forward as funding opportunities arise and will be subject to further public engagement and design work.

More information

This project is one of the measures in the Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan, which sets out actions towards a sustainable and reliable travel and transport system for the area.

Artist impression of St Giles’ (Oxford) with improved facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and bus users. 

Artist impression of Carfax junction (Oxford), with widened pavements, more greenery and safer crossings. 

Artist impression of Queen Street (Oxford) with improved benches and greenery. 

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

^{Image shows Banbury Road in Oxford, from the Bevington Road junction.}

Oxfordshire County Council is asking people for their thoughts on draft designs to make safety improvements to junctions on Banbury Road, north Oxford, and on Iffley Road in east Oxford, two of the busiest through-roads beyond the city centre.

The Safer Roads Fund project for Oxford is focusing on improving a series of junctions on these roads to reduce the risk of road traffic accidents by focusing on points where there have been a slightly higher number of collision incidents:

• Banbury Road at Bevington Road, Norham Road, St. Margaret’s Road, Rawlinson Road, Linton Road, and Belbroughton Road on Banbury Road (A4165) between St. Giles (A4144) and the A40 roundabout.
• Iffley Road at Radcliffe Road, Cornwallis Road, Iffley Turn (South), Westbury Crescent, and Courtland Road (North), and Courtland Road (South) on Iffley Road (A4158) between the Donnington Bridge junction (B4495) and the Eastern Bypass roundabout (A4142).

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “The welfare and safety of our residents is a top priority. These two roads are key routes into the city, used daily by a wide range of transport users, and provide key access to several of Oxford’s schools.

“We want to ensure that people can feel confident coming out of their road to make the trip to work or school, that drivers and cyclists have clearer visibility of other road users at the junctions, and that people who rely on mobility aids or sensory aids can make their journeys unhindered.”

Proposed improvements include:

• Adding solar studs along the cycle routes to separate the cycleway from the highway more clearly.
• Improving raised pedestrian crossing points (‘pedestrian refuge islands’).
• Raising junction entrances to footway level to reduce vehicle speed and make it easier for mobility aids to cross.
• Tactile paving to show kerb edges.

The safer roads project is a part of the county council’s vision zero commitment to work toward a goal of zero serious or fatal road traffic accidents on the county and city roads by 2050. It has worked together with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Safer Roads Foundation, and engaged with local partners to identify and plan the improvements. The plans are designed to ensure they meet UK government guidance for best practice in protecting vulnerable road users. 

The proposals are available to view on the county council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire digital engagement and consultation platform until 5pm on 28 March 2025. Subject to approval at a county council cabinet member decision meeting, it is expected that works would start during summer 2025 and complete later in the year.

Ends

For more information about this release contact Oxfordshire County Council’s communications team on email press.office@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Notes to editors

• Supporting information, maps, drawings and a survey, as well as details of how to obtain printed copies of the survey or any information in an alternative format can be found on Let’s talk Oxfordshire.
• Feedback and any questions on the project can be emailed to saferroadsfund@oxfordshire.gov.uk  
• Residents can access further information on the county council’s website.
• Measures in the Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan and Oxfordshire’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan are designed to make Oxfordshire a better place for everyone.
• UK government guidance for best practice in protecting vulnerable road users includes, among other documents: Local Transport Note for cycle infrastructure design: LTN 1/20, Active Travel England design assistance tools, and local cycling and walking infrastructure plans technical guidance.
• Vulnerable road users (VRUs) are people who have less protective equipment protecting them when making a journey. They include pedestrians, people using mobility aids, cyclists, horse-riders and motorbike or moped riders. The Highway Code discusses VRUs in its section on road users requiring extra care.
• This project has received £1.675 million from the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund to deliver the safety works proposed. The funding is provided with the condition that is used only for new safety improvements (so cannot cover pothole repairs) that will protect people travelling on these specific roads – especially VRUs.
• As a part of Oxfordshire County Council’s vision zero commitments, this project aims to: provide better pedestrian and cycling facilities; reduce the risk and number of collisions and accidents; and reduce the number of fatal/serious injuries/casualties involving pedestrians and cyclists.

 Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Residents in and around Bicester are being asked to share feedback on proposals to better link new cycling and walking routes between the town centre and existing and proposed residential and employment areas to the west.

Oxfordshire County Council has worked with local cycling groups to draft plans aiming to create a new two-way cycleway along the full length of Middleton Stoney Road, between Howes Lane and King’s End.

The plans also include a continuous new pavement on the south side of Middleton Stoney Road, between Whitelands Way and King’s End, along with new zebra crossings for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “I encourage people to look at the proposals and help us understand the impact they’ll have.

“More options for local journeys made by walking, wheeling or cycling helps us enjoy what’s around us unfettered by the stress of traffic queues and finding parking space. We can feel healthier and engage more easily with our local environment.

“We’d like to hear how cycling, walking and wheeling around Middleton Stoney Road works for you, and how the proposals could support that, or where they may need some changes. This will help to shape the final plans and give me a detailed picture of what matters for you when they are considered for approval.”

The proposals are for:

• A new two-way cycleway separated from motor vehicles and pedestrians along the full length of Middleton Stoney Road.
• A new pavement on the south side between Whitelands Way and King's End.
• New pedestrian/cyclist zebra crossings along the road and signalised crossings at the roundabout with Shakespeare Drive.
• Associated minor works along the road to improve safety for people walking and wheeling.
• Traffic restriction on Chalvey Road junction with Villiers Road to improve safety

Middleton Stoney Road is a key strategic route linking the centre of Bicester with existing and planned housing estates and businesses on the west of the town, and surrounding villages including Chesterton and Middleton Stoney.

The designs will follow the latest national cycling standards with cyclists separated from motor vehicles on the road for their safety and to encourage new and inexperienced cyclists of all ages and abilities.

The project is funded by the government’s Active Travel Fund as part of grants received in 2022 to improve walking and cycling in the county.

Plans are available to view and a survey can be completed on the county council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s Talk Oxfordshire. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 25 March 2025.  

Feedback will help inform a county council cabinet decision on whether to approve the work. Subject to approval, the proposed works would be carried out later in 2025.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The road will connect into the existing A4130 Didcot Northern Perimeter Road / Abingdon Road / Ladygrove priority junction.

The Oxfordshire County Council scheme aims to:

• Provide an alternative to traffic passing through Didcot town centre and help to reduce congestion
• Connect to existing, planned and proposed walking and cycling routes in the area
• Support planned growth in housing and employment in the Science Vale

Plans include a signalised northern junction that will introduce a new (fourth) arm to the existing A4130, Abingdon Road and Ladygrove carriageways, together with crossing provision for pedestrians and cyclists at the junction.

The scheme also includes a new link that will connect the northern junction with the southern section of the Didcot NPR3 scheme, which is to be constructed / delivered by Bloor Homes as part of their Ladygrove East development.

A 5.6m wide shared footway/cycleway will be included on western extent for the entire route (segregated from traffic), with zebra crossings to be installed at appropriate locations.

The southern section will connect onto the A4130 Hadden Hill carriageway via a new roundabout arrangement.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “Didcot is growing and will continue to do so. This scheme will help to keep everyone moving efficiently by encouraging them to use the A4130 as a ring road around the town.

“The proposed works aim to improve connectivity around Didcot without the need to travel through the town centre. This will also help to make it easier for people to choose walking, cycling or taking public transport for short journeys.

“I encourage people to look at the proposals and help us understand the impact they’ll have. We’d like to hear how our proposals could work for local residents or where they may need some changes.”

The scheme is being funded through a combination of infrastructure grant funding from Government, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding and Section 106 contributions from developers.

A public consultation will run between 12 noon on Tuesday 25 February 2025 and 11.59pm on Tuesday 25 March 2025. It will showcase the preliminary design details and proposed layout arrangements. The online consultation will also be supported by two drop-in events, at the Ladygrove Community Centre in Tamar Way, Didcot,  for members of the public to see the proposals in person:

• Thursday 6 March 2025 – 2.00pm - 8.00pm
• Thursday 13 March 2023 – 2:00pm – 8:00pm

Members of the public can view the online consultation and complete a survey by visiting https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/didcot-npr3-scheme

Feedback will help to inform the designs that will be submitted in a planning application later this year. Subject to planning approval, the proposed works would start in summer 2026 and be completed during summer 2027.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The proposal to create a series of ‘greenways’ – high-quality paths in urban or natural areas prioritised for pedestrians and cyclists – comes from a joint project being developed by Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and the University of Oxford.

The aim is to create a network of safe, convenient and well-connected cycling and walking routes linking surrounding towns, villages and future economic development sites with Oxford city centre and other key employment, cultural and economic locations.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “Many people who want to walk or cycle more, for their health, wellbeing or to save money, are often put off by having to share the space with motor vehicles. Some of our towns and villages have no safe options at all, despite their close proximity to Oxford.

“That’s why the Oxford greenways project is so important. I would urge as many people as possible to take part in the consultation so that we can prioritise and design routes where they will make the biggest difference.”

The consultation runs until Tuesday 18 March. To take part, visit Let’s talk Oxfordshire.

Councillor Louise Upton, Oxford City Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Cycling Champion, said: “In order to encourage more people to walk and cycle into Oxford for work, studying, entertainment or shopping, we need to provide them with safer and more accessible routes.

“This engagement is a chance for pedestrians and cyclists to share their feedback on six proposed greenways. These new routes are designed to promote healthier and safer options as people travel across Oxford and Oxfordshire.

“I encourage everyone interested in cycling to participate – whether you're an experienced cyclist or someone who wants to start cycling.”

A first set of greenways is proposed to connect Oxford with areas including Woodstock, Otmoor, Wootton near Abingdon, Kingston Bagpuize, Kennington, Botley and Wytham.

David Prout, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning & Resources) at Oxford University, said: “Safe walking and cycling routes between Oxford and its surrounding towns and villages would be a massive boost for everyone living and working in Oxford. We are very pleased to have been part of this study and hope its recommendations will be implemented.”

The Oxford greenways project began in 2020 but was put on hold due to the pandemic. Feedback from the latest consultation and other engagement events will help inform the development of a delivery plan.

Initial funding is in place for design of the first set of greenways. However, route construction and further design development of the proposed network – which could improve links to around 60 towns and villages – would require successful funding bids and grant allocations.

Greenways schemes will be developed alongside other improvements to cycle routes around the county, including National Cycling Network routes, Oxfordshire’s Strategic Active Travel Network, and area and corridor travel plans within the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

A survey is open from today (18 February 2025). Oxfordshire County Council has worked with local cycling groups to draft plans aiming to create a new cycleway together with improvements for walking and wheeling on London Road (A41) between the Launton Road junction and Rodney House Roundabout.

London Road is a key route linking the centre of Bicester with the new housing estates at Graven Hill and Wretchwick Green, the Symmetry business park, and surrounding villages including Ambrosden and Arncott.

The designs will follow the latest national cycling standards with cyclists separated from motor vehicles on the road for their safety and to encourage new and inexperienced cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Homes, jobs and businesses will always need good access choices. Joining the dots to make it easier to get safely between key destinations in your neighbourhood is an important consideration for now and for future proofing flexible travel as the town grows.

“More options for local journeys made by walking, wheeling or cycling helps us enjoy what’s around us unfettered by the stress of traffic queues and finding parking space. We can feel healthier and engage more easily with our local environment.

“We’d like to hear how cycling, walking and wheeling around London Road works for you, and how the proposals could support that, or where they may need some changes. This will help to shape the final plans and give us a detailed picture of what matters for you when they are considered for approval.”

The proposals are for:

• A new two-way cycleway on the west and south-west side of London Road between the Ploughley Road and Launton Road junctions. The cycleway will merge with the existing layouts at the Rodney House Roundabout and the new Pioneer Roundabout.
• New pavement sections to improve directness and convenience for walking the route, assisted by new zebra crossings for both cyclists and pedestrians.
• 30mph speed limit along London Road extended to include the section south of Talisman Road up to Rodney House roundabout to further improve safety especially at the new crossing points.
• Resurfacing the existing cycle path linking to the A41.

The project is funded by the government’s Active Travel Fund as part of grants received in 2022 to improve walking and cycling in the county.

Plans are available to view and a survey can be completed on the county council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 18 March 2025.  

Feedback will help inform a county council cabinet decision on whether to approve the work. Subject to approval, the proposed works would be carried out later in 2025.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Residents and people who travel around Woodstock are being asked to help shape a draft plan to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, safer and more enjoyable around the town.

Oxfordshire County Council is asking for views about what highway improvements are needed to provide Woodstock and neighbouring parishes with a high-quality active travel network. Improvements could include better cycleways or added pedestrian crossings to make it easier to access and move around the town.

People can view the draft plan and area maps, and have their say on Let’s talk Oxfordshire, the county council’s digital engagement and consultation platform until 5 March 2025.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We want to make it easier for people to choose walking, wheeling or cycling for more local journeys. Active travel as part of our daily lives can be a way to save money, keep healthy, feel well and improve air quality. It’s a win on so many levels.

“Valuable local feedback will help us identify the best solutions for Woodstock – with safe, convenient, and well-connected walking, wheeling and cycling networks for people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds, connecting them to where they want to go.”

The draft Woodstock and surrounding areas local cycling, walking and infrastructure plan (LCWIP) has been developed together with local partners. It proposes a joined-up network for active travel that links the places people need to visit regularly – including schools, shops, places of work and medical centres.

It aims to help make walking, wheeling and cycling an easy everyday choice for short journeys around the town or combined with using public transport for longer journeys. This will support a thriving, healthy, inclusive and low carbon communities where improvements preserve and enhance the local environment and make Woodstock and the area around it a great place to live, work and visit.

Once finalised – with feedback from local people helping shape the plan, the LCWIP will be an essential tool, helping to get funding to deliver active travel improvements in the town and surrounding area.

Ends

For more information about this release contact the Oxfordshire County Council communications team on 01865 323870 or email press.office@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Notes to editors

• Measures in the central Oxfordshire travel plan and Oxfordshire’s local transport and connectivity plan are designed to make Oxfordshire a better place for everyone.
• Local cycling and walking infrastructure plans (LCWIP) were introduced by the Department for Transport, alongside the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, for local authorities to “develop strategic plans to improve conditions for cycling and walking, in order to support increases in travel on foot and bicycle”.
• You can find out more about Oxfordshire County Council's approach to LCWIPs online.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The Oxfordshire County Council scheme will provide new west-facing slip roads on the A40 at the Shores Green junction, enabling traffic from east and north-east Witney to access the A40 without needing to route through the town centre or the A40/Ducklington Lane junction.  

When completed, the new slip roads will alleviate traffic on Bridge Street and across Witney town centre. There will also be improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities in the Shores Green area to improve safety and support more active travel.  

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: "The start of construction on the A40 - Witney scheme is an exciting step towards improving travel in Witney and along the A40 in this area. This scheme will make a real difference to people's lives, reducing congestion and improving air quality. We're delighted to be working with our partners to deliver this infrastructure."  

The scheme is expected to be complete by spring 2026.  

As part of the initial works, the A40 will be closed for one night between Ducklington and the Shores Green Junction from 8pm on 9 February 2025 to 6am on 10 February 2025. This closure is necessary to safely install barriers and signs.   

The closure and diversion route will be clearly indicated by traffic signs. Information on traffic management is available on the county council’s website.  

The county council has engaged extensively with residents, businesses and partners on the scheme, incorporating their feedback into the scheme's design and delivery.  

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We are really pleased to see work progressing on the slip road and will continue to work closely with the county council on further improvements to the A40.” 

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council has officially entered into contracts with GRAHAM Construction Ltd and AECOM to deliver stage two of the Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure (HIF1) scheme.

GRAHAM is undertaking the detailed design of the Culham river crossing and the Clifton Hampden bypass elements of the scheme while the detailed design of the Didcot Science Bridge and the widening of the A4130 is being led by AECOM. 

Segregated two-way pedestrian and cycle facilities will feature along the entire route.

Detailed design is underway, with construction expected to start in early 2026.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “GRAHAM has worked on similar projects around the country and have a high commitment to social value and giving back to the local area. Their bid was successful as they understood the scheme and its complexities and how the four elements need to tie together.

“AECOM has been involved in the project since its inception and have supported us through the planning application process. Their knowledge of the scheme will be invaluable in progressing the project towards construction.

“This transformative infrastructure development will offer more sustainable travel options in and around Didcot and support the creation of new jobs and economic growth in the Science Vale region.”

Andrew Henry, GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “GRAHAM has been working closely with the council and key stakeholders since April 2023 through early contractor involvement. This collaborative approach has enabled us to develop the detailed design for these significant infrastructure projects while actively engaging with third-party stakeholders such as Thames Water and Openreach to coordinate necessary utility diversions. As we deliver this transformative project, we will focus on working closely with the local community to create a lasting impact that benefits everyone”.  

Mark Saunders, AECOM Director for Streets, Surface transportation, Aviation and Ports said: “Since our involvement in the concept and planning stages of the scheme began in early 2019, AECOM is delighted to continue working with Oxfordshire County Council on the detailed design phase. Leveraging our in-depth knowledge of the scheme, we are committed to collaborating with stakeholders to deliver the best possible outcomes for Didcot and the surrounding area.”

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

People living or travelling in Chipping Norton are being asked to help shape a draft plan to make walking, wheeling, and cycling easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.

Oxfordshire County Council has worked with Chipping Norton Town Council and local residents, businesses and community organisations to draft the active travel plan for Chipping Norton. The plan will set out how to improve the town’s walking and cycling network over the next 10 years, identifying where things like cycleways and pedestrian crossings should be added or improved.

People can view the draft plan and area maps, and have their say at: letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/chipping-norton-lcwip until 27 February 2025.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Getting around our local neighbourhoods should be simple and enjoyable and there should be multiple options for making safe journeys to where we want to get to.

“We want to improve the travel network to help people have better opportunities for walking, wheeling, or cycling. It brings great benefits for health and wellbeing while helping to improve air quality in the county.

“I’m looking forward to feedback to help us understand where things work, where there are challenges and tailor the plan so that is the best fit for residents. We also realise that walking or cycling is not necessarily an option for everyone and would like to hear from people who find it more difficult to move around the area.”

The plan’s vision for Chipping Norton is a thriving town with good air quality, where walking for local trips is the norm for everyone, where possible. This is supported by safe, accessible, and connected walking and cycling routes between residential areas, the historic town centre, schools, public open spaces and local services and facilities.

The final version of the plan, incorporating amendments reflecting the feedback received, will then go through a process at Oxfordshire County Council that will allow it to be formally adopted as council policy. This will help get funding to improve walking and cycling in Chipping Norton and the surrounding area.

Ends

For more information about this release contact the Oxfordshire County Council communications team on 01865 323870 or email press.office@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Notes to editors

• Measures in the central Oxfordshire travel plan and Oxfordshire’s local transport and connectivity plan are designed to make Oxfordshire a better place for everyone.
• The active travel plan for Chipping Norton is a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). LCWIPs are designed to:
  • identify cycling and walking infrastructure improvements for future investment in the short, medium and long term
  • ensure that consideration is given to cycling and walking within local planning and transport policies and strategies
  • make a case for future funding for walking and cycling infrastructure.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The road opened to all users on 18 December 2024.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “The Benson Relief Road is a central piece of new infrastructure for the village and a vital tool to reducing through traffic in the village centre. It incorporates measures to encourage cycling and walking locally, which helps reduce car usage in the village, lessening congestion, local emissions and adverse air quality.”

Construction of the section of the road that connects to Oxford Road, and the creation of a flood compensation area, was undertaken by Milestone Infrastructure on behalf of the council and took 13 months to complete.

Archaeological surveys of the site during the early part of construction uncovered an ancient well, while wildlife-friendly structures (mammal shelves and an otter tunnel) and a wildlife wetland habitat were installed to protect and improve the overall local biodiversity.

As part of the decommissioning of the site compound, two electric vehicle charging points and a defibrillator have been donated to Benson Parish Council and relocated to Benson parish hall for local residents to use. Members of the project’s construction team also gave their time to help build a pergola for the Benson Community Gardens.

Councillor Judy Roberts added: “I am delighted to say that we have delivered our section of the road on time and on budget. Through the fantastic efforts of our project and construction delivery teams, we have also saved approximately 203 tonnes of carbon. This equates to 127  return flights from London to New York.”

Carbon saving activities on the scheme included using recycled material where possible on site, reusing material, such as fill or topsoil across the scheme, and minor design changes to reduce the impact of the scheme on the local environment. 

The northern section of the road is already complete and parts of the middle section are currently under construction. These are being delivered by the various housing developers on site. The entire route is anticipated to be open to all traffic in 2026.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Planning approval for the HIF1 Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure project was granted by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, following a planning inspector’s report recommending that the scheme proceed to construction. The scheme was subject to a 21-day conjoined public inquiry earlier this year.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy, said: “The approval of this application is fantastic news, as securing planning consent is a key milestone in proceeding with this project.

“This work is a big step towards tackling congestion in Didcot and the surrounding villages. It will transform travel in the Didcot area for current and future residents as well as commuters, reduce congestion in the surrounding villages, and improve air quality and noise levels.”

The £332 million project is fully funded. Successful discussions with government in early 2022, and again in early 2024, resulted in additional grants from Homes England. Approval was also given to underwrite up to £30m from Oxfordshire County Council’s capital budget in February 2022, while Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership contributed a £10m capital investment generated from Enterprise Zones’ business rates retention.

With planning consent now in place, work continues to finalise detailed designs, and confirm and appoint contractors.  The decision on the statutory orders needed to secure all of the land for the scheme is awaited, but private negotiations with landowners continue to progress.

Construction is anticipated to start on site in early 2026 and last approximately two years.

Councillor Roberts added: “This project is key in providing real sustainable travel options for people in and around Didcot. It will enable more reliable journey times for buses and other vehicles and improve pedestrian and cycling connectivity.

“The investment in this infrastructure will also support more jobs in the local area in new and existing employment sites. I’m delighted that we can now progress towards construction.”

For more information about the project visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/didcot 

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.