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 annual Vision Zero road safety event in Broad Street on Wednesday 4 November from 10am - 4pm.

The day will include the presence of a large lorry cab, so visitors can learn about blinds spots.

Visitors will be able to explore a range of stalls offering road safety advice and information, aimed at protecting 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: “This event will help people make sure their bike is in good working order and that they’ve got lights that are visible.

“Dark evenings are approaching so we want to remind people who walk or cycle that they have a responsibility for their own safety and urge them to wear something bright to give other road users a chance to see them.”

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.

Professor Mark E. Smith, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Planning and Resources at Oxford University, said: “Casualties on our roads are not inevitable – many of these tragedies could have been prevented. The University is proud to support Vision Zero, and we'll continue working with our partners to create a truly safe transport system.”

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “We support this cycle safety event and Oxfordshire County Council’s wider Vision Zero ambition to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

“As a force, we are committed to tackling the behaviours that contribute to the Fatal Five causes of serious and fatal collisions: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driver distraction and careless driving.

“Events such as this help educate all road users, improve safety awareness and encourage everyone to play their part in making our roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians, equestrians and motorists alike.”

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: “A city that is safe for cycling is safe for everyone.

“Come and find out why 20mph speed limits reduce collisions, injuries and deaths and why we're campaigning for everyone to be able to live and work on a street that is safe to walk beside, cycle on and to cross. No-one wants to see death or injury on Oxford’s roads.”

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The building will replace County Hall as the council’s city centre hub. The aim is to create a high-quality flexible space for colleagues and councillors to work and meet in. The development will also play an important part in the regeneration of the southern end of the city centre.

The overall budget for the Speedwell House project remains unchanged and is still being paid for entirely from the receipts of the sale of County Hall. The cabinet decision is merely a case of seeking earlier than previously planned use of funding to prepare the building for fit out, reduce exposure to construction cost inflation and allow key items that take a long time to deliver to be ordered.

Work will include internal strip-out, structural alterations, fabric repairs, fire protection work and early procurement of window and roofing materials

Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, said: “The earlier we pay for certain things in the Speedwell House project the less exposed we are to inflation. No additional funding was requested of cabinet and none is approved.”

“It will be exciting to see the building take shape and we believe it will help regenerate this area of Oxford as well as being a modern, net-zero home for council staff and councillors into the future, whatever shape Oxfordshire’s local government takes. As we have said, the sale of County Hall will provide the funding for the renewal of Speedwell House. The plan works financially as well as operationally.”

As reported in September 2025, contracts have been exchanged for the sale of County Hall to global investor and UK real estate owner and operator L&G, on behalf of its Managed Property Fund. They have commissioned developers Reef Origin who already have strong experience of working in Oxford.

The plan remains to move from County Hall in late 2026. During 2027 and early 2028 the council plans to utilise its existing office space in and beyond Oxford to accommodate staff whose current home base is County Hall as well as a council chamber and coroner’s court. It will also use Midland House in Botley.

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The programme examined historical cases of child sexual exploitation in Oxford, including those connected to Operation Bullfinch.

A Serious Case Review conducted following Operation Bullfinch identified significant failings in the way agencies responded at the time. Oxfordshire County Council accepted the findings of that review and apologised for those failings.

The review led to significant changes across Oxfordshire County Council, Thames Valley Police, health partners and safeguarding agencies. By the time the Serious Case Review was published in 2015, it reported that its key recommendations had already been implemented. 

Changes were made to strengthen safeguarding arrangements, improve multi-agency working, ensure that children and young people were listened to, and enhance the identification of and response to child sexual exploitation.

Protecting children remains our highest priority. Children's services in Oxfordshire have been inspected by Ofsted on multiple occasions over the past 12 years and have consistently been rated ‘Good’, with inspectors recognising effective partnership working and positive practice in safeguarding children, including the response to child sexual exploitation.

Today's safeguarding arrangements are very different from those that existed during the period covered by the programme. The council works closely with police, health partners, schools and voluntary sector organisations to protect vulnerable children and young people, support victims and survivors, and help bring perpetrators to justice.

We recognise that the programme may be difficult and upsetting for victims, survivors, their families and others affected by child sexual exploitation. We remain committed to listening to victims and survivors, supporting our safeguarding partners, and continuing to do everything possible to keep children and young people safe.

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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 commissioned consultants Jacobs to carry out an options appraisal for a mass rapid transit (MRT) system between Carterton, Witney, Eynsham and Oxford.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The closure of the Witney railway in 1970 and subsequent largescale development in the area have proved to be costly and mistaken. Reversing congestion and improving connectivity won't be easy – but it is essential that we try to address this.

“We want to identify, evaluate and recommend feasible options which can be in place by 2050 at the latest. The study will consider existing and planned infrastructure, as well as projected housing and employment growth.

“Current and forecasted travel demands, plus national, regional and local policy aimed at prioritising sustainable transport, mean that a major change in public transport provision is needed. Projects like this could help provide that.”

Bruce Slattery, Jacobs’ Director for Transport Planning, said: “Jacobs is supporting Oxfordshire County Council with the early-stage development of the west Oxfordshire mass rapid transit project. Through this work, we are helping to define a transport solution that will deliver essential public transport connections to the area and help to stimulate sustainable economic growth.”

An MRT system is a public transport network typically operating on dedicated corridors or priority lanes to offer reliable and efficient services. Unlike standard bus or rail services, MRT systems often use advanced vehicles, benefit from priority measures, and feature high-quality infrastructure such as segregated lanes or tracks, level boarding, and integrated ticketing.

West Oxfordshire is experiencing significant pressure from housing and employment growth, with Carterton, Witney, and Eynsham identified as key areas for development with up to 18,000 new homes and 60 hectares of employment proposed to be delivered by 2043.

Carterton is also home to the UK’s largest and potentially expanding RAF base required for national security while the Cotswolds is a national tourism hub with visitor numbers increasing annually.

Oxford, as a regional employment and educational hub, is facing increasing congestion and demand for sustainable travel options. The A40 corridor, the primary route serving west Oxfordshire, is subject to ongoing and planned improvements, in particular focused on prioritising bus services.

An MRT system is being considered to address the challenges, improve connectivity, and support sustainable regional growth.

It is expected that the chosen system will form part of the Oxfordshire Metro as discussed in the council’s recent OxRAIL 2040: Plan for Rail.

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The decision comes as Oxfordshire County Council continues its wider work to tackle congestion, improve air quality and encourage more sustainable travel across the county.

Under the council’s congestion charge scheme, revenue raised is being used to support free bus travel from Oxford’s Park and Ride sites, helping residents travel into the city without adding to congestion on already busy roads.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, agreed the move at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, 18 June. He said the council must lead by example and ensure elected members are not exempt from the expectations placed on residents.

He said: “Oxfordshire County Council is about fairness. County councillors don't need privileged access to a free car park in OX1. We all need to play our part in making the county's roads safer and free from congestion so our fleet of electric buses can flow freely around this amazing city.

“I hope my colleagues will try out the new buses for free from any one of our park and ride sites but for councillors who insist on driving into the centre of town for meetings they will still be able to park at the Westgate or any of the City Council's off street parking sites for a small charge.”

The changes would ensure parking at County Hall remains available for those with accessibility needs and for essential operational use, while supporting the council’s broader ambitions around active travel, public transport and reducing traffic in Oxford city centre.

New plans to improve public hire e-scooter and e-bike operations have been approved today by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport.

Councillor Gareth Epps approved plans for a contract that jointly covers hire e-scooters and e-bikes by a single operator when the council’s current contract for e-scooters expires on 30 September 2026.

Once in place, the contract is specifically intended to offer more travel choice to more people by:

• Expanding hire e-scooter and e-bike operations in Oxford, subject to local and DfT approval, to surrounding areas including Botley, Kennington, Kidlington and Horspath, and potentially out to Abingdon and Wheatley.
• Introducing hire e-bike trials across the Science Vale area, and separately, Bicester. 

The plans also include a wider network of dedicated parking locations for public hire e-bikes and e-scooters, including an increase in on-road parking bays.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “I am very excited about the opportunities and benefits the e-scooter and e-bike scheme will bring. It can give our market towns a more level footing with some of the transport benefits enjoyed by the city, while also building in stronger controls to monitor and enforce responsible use of e-bikes and e-scooters on our streets – including safer riding and parking.”

The new contract follows the Department for Transport’s recent announcement to extend the national hire e-scooter trials to May 2028. It will build on learning from current hire e-scooter and e-bike operations in Oxford. Priority requirements for the scheme operator include safety, high operating standards and improvements in parking.

The operator will be required to provide comprehensive data so the council can understand the impact of e-scooters and e-bikes on our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan, inform longer term decision-making around hire e-bike schemes in the county towns, and effectively monitor the operator’s performance including management of rider behaviour and parking.

More detail will be confirmed after the contract has been awarded.

Notes to editors

• The contract supports the vision and priorities set out in Oxfordshire County Council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan.

• Oxford has been a part of the national e-scooter trial since 2001. Public hire e-scooters are permitted to travel on the main highway and cycleways (but not on the pavement) depending on any other restrictions that may apply. Privately bought e-scooters are not legally permitted in public spaces (including on footpaths and public bridleways). Public-hire e-scooters are designed to meet strict specifications set out by UK government.

• Both public hire and private e-bikes are required to comply with speed limits set out in micromobility guidelines.

• Public hire e-bikes and e-scooters must be used responsibly in accordance with guidelines – see more on e-bikes and e-scooters.

• Cabinet Member for Decision report (Item 6, page 3, pages 39-70).

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Fabia Cerra never expected to end up running her own community support business when she started looking for work that fitted around caring for her autistic son, Leone.

With support from Community Catalysts, a programme funded by Oxfordshire County Council to help people set up small, local care and support services, Fabia has gone on to establish a community micro‑enterprise providing flexible support for people with learning disabilities, autistic people, older residents, and others who can feel isolated in their communities.

Through her service, Fabia supports people to live independently at home and stay connected in their communities. Her work includes helping with everyday tasks such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, shopping, and managing correspondence, as well as accompanying people to appointments, supporting travel on public transport, and enabling participation in hobbies and social activities. She also offers companionship, providing a reassuring presence for those who need it.

As Leone’s primary carer, Fabia, who lives in Oxford, wanted work that was both meaningful and flexible. With mentoring and guidance from Community Catalysts, she was able to turn her lived experience into a viable service and set up her enterprise in just a few months.

Fabia said: “I was inspired to start my micro‑enterprise as I’m my son’s primary carer. I was looking for a role that fitted in with my personal life, including my son, and this was ideal for using my experiences and knowledge of being an unpaid carer.”

More than two years on, she has an established customer base and continues to support people in her local area to improve their quality of life.

She adds: “The support from Community Catalysts has been brilliant.

“My mentor is always there if I need guidance or advice, and the Zoom meetings and private WhatsApp group are really helpful. I get to hear from other community micro‑enterprises and learn from their experiences.”

Fabia says the biggest impact comes from small, everyday changes: “I would like to think I’m helping people in my local community improve their quality of life. Making a small change in their day can make a huge difference to them.”

Rebekah Fletcher, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “By funding Community Catalysts, we are backing local people to build support that genuinely reflects the realities of their lives and communities.

“Fabia’s story shows how lived experience, with the right support, can be turned into something that benefits both families and the wider community.”

“Community‑led services like this complement wider adult social care provision and help people feel more connected, confident and supported close to home in line with The Oxfordshire Way.”

Fabia adds: “If you’d said to me two years ago that I’d be working for myself, I’d have just laughed it off.”

Fabia’s experience reflects the wider impact of the Community Catalysts programme across Oxfordshire, which has been working in Oxfordshire since 2020. The council funds the programme as part of its commitment to more personalised, community‑based approaches to care and support.

So far, the programme has delivered significant results across the county:

• In Cherwell, 89 community micro‑enterprises have completed the programme, together providing more than 4,000 hours of support and 118 activity sessions each week to over 2,000 people, while creating 150 jobs and 142 volunteering roles.
• In the Vale of White Horse, a further 37 micro‑enterprises have been supported since 2023, many offering activities for people with learning disabilities who previously had to travel much further to access support.

From 1 April 2026, Community Catalysts expanded into West Oxfordshire under a new two‑year contract extension, reflecting growing demand for local, flexible support, particularly in rural areas and among older residents.

Residents or community organisations interested in starting a micro‑enterprise, or exploring an idea, can contact Anita Wingad, Project Coordinator for Oxfordshire, directly or using the enquiry form on the Community Catalysts website.

Residents are also invited to attend free drop-in sessions at Chipping Norton Library, taking place on Tuesdays from 12pm to 1.30pm on 23 and 30 June and 7, 14 and 21 July, to speak with the local Community Catalysts coordinator and explore their ideas.

Existing CMEs in the county can be viewed on the Small Good Stuff directory.

Ends

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The Botley office, located on West Way near Seacourt Tower, is viewed as an ideal spot given it offers practical, well-equipped workspaces as well offering good transport links including proximity to Seacourt Park and Ride.

The move is part of the council’s broader programme to make best use of its buildings, support more flexible ways of working, and make sure teams have access to suitable, modern office space across Oxfordshire. County Hall will close in late 2026 and Speedwell House will open in Spring 2028.

Contracts were exchanged in late 2025 for the sale of County Hall to global investor and UK real estate owner and operator L&G, on behalf of its Managed Property Fund. They have commissioned developers Reef Origin who already have strong experience of working in Oxford.

Cllr Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, said: “We are looking forward in coming times to seeing Speedwell House taking shape as a new net zero office in 2028 as well as watching County Hall change and then thrive in its new guise as a hotel. The sale of County Hall is providing the funding for the renewal of Speedwell House. The plan works financially as well as operationally.

“The move to Speedwell House will help regenerate and boost that area just to the south of the city centre and the hotel at County Hall is part of continued work to improve the western arrival into the city, with the council having recently acquired the lease at the Oxford Castle complex and the transformation that is underway around the railway station.

“Our existing offices throughout the county will provide bases for our teams and these will now be supplemented by the excellent and ideally located Midland House. These are solid plans from which our officers can continue to provide excellent services to the people of Oxfordshire,”

The future of Oxford’s Castle Quarter looks bright after Oxfordshire County Council reached an agreement to purchase the lease at the site.

This follows expert independent advice that the deal represents a sound long-term investment for taxpayers, while creating the conditions to accelerate regeneration in a strategically important part of Oxford city centre.

It also supports a coherent approach to the western arrival into the city, sitting alongside the re‑imagining of County Hall as a hotel and the wider transformation underway around the railway station.

In 2005 the Council decided to sell a long-term lease for Castle Quarter to enable major investment in and redevelopment of a site that had previously operated as a prison for many decades.

That investment successfully transformed the site and brought new activity into the city centre. Since then, the mix of uses at Castle Quarter has continued to evolve.

While some elements, including the Malmaison Hotel, continue to perform strongly, others offer clear scope for renewal and further investment, particularly given the site’s location between the railway station, Westgate and Oxford’s historic core.

As existing freeholder of Castle Quarter, Oxfordshire County Council seized the opportunity to purchase the lease when it became available. Following careful consideration and having taken advice from legal, financial and property experts, it was determined that the deal represented an exceptional opportunity.

The prospect of delivering strong financial returns for taxpayers in future years, alongside the potential to drive regeneration within the area, made the decision compelling.

Cllr Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “This is an exciting moment for Oxford city centre, but it is not a decision the council has taken lightly. We have carried out thorough due diligence and sought expert advice to make sure the risks to the taxpayers and the county council are low while the prospects for real benefits are high.

“When the opportunity arose to purchase the lease, we looked closely at the financial, legal and commercial implications. The clear conclusion was that returning the lease to the county council as the existing freeholder was the right decision, with good prospects for both the city centre and public funds.

“Combined with the transformation currently underway in and around the railway station, this creates an opportunity to refresh and boost the Castle Quarter and support positive change to the western approach to the city centre.

“The site is very close to Westgate, the city centre attractions, the railway station and the new hotel that will replace County Hall. The ingredients for success are clear to see and there is excitement about the change that can now begin to be delivered.

“We are operating in a challenging financial environment and so it’s really important the council makes prudent, well‑evidenced decisions. This decision allows the county council and a successor council or councils after local government reorganisation to influence very positive change in the city centre while delivering a strong financial return to support the delivery of frontline services.”

Oxfordshire County Council, in partnership with Oxford City Council and its service provider ODS, is investing £150,000 of its bus service improvement plan (BSIP) funding – which was provided by the government – to improve and refresh the station for the benefit of all users.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Gloucester Green coach station dates from 1989 and it has developed a tired appearance over time. It is certainly not an attractive gateway for local, national and international visitors to Oxford.

“To realise its full potential would require substantial investment and a complete redevelopment, and this remains a long-term ambition. However, in the shorter term, we’re delighted that we are able to carry out a series of measures that will improve the environment for everyone that uses it.”

Councillor Anna Railton, Oxford City Council’s Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, said: “Gloucester Green bus station is often the first impression someone has arriving in our wonderful city, so I am very pleased with these plans to refresh and enhance it. I very much welcome this and the long-term plans for improving the space.”

Following a review of the coach station in 2023, several interventions were identified.

Improvements will include new signage, real time passenger information showing arrival and departure times, new noticeboards, anti-pigeon measures, decluttering, a commercial bin store, repainting, a deep clean of all areas, new larger planters in key areas and bespoke and accessible seating.

The partners are working with Oxfordshire based suppliers and contractors on the project.

Oxfordshire County Council and the local bus operators that make up the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership were awarded more than £10 million last July to fund the proposed measures in the BSIP.

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Oxfordshire County Council has approved seven vehicle improvement grant applications that will collectively help fund 13 new electric buses, convert two existing minibuses from diesel to electric power, and deliver passenger enhancements to many other vehicles.

The grants have been awarded under the council’s vehicle improvement fund, new for 2025/26, and funded through the Bus Grant awarded by the government.

The fund was open to all operators of local bus services in Oxfordshire. The initiative has attracted an additional £4.056m in collective investment from the operators, which will result in improvements in vehicles totalling £5.461m.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This is really good news and an excellent example of partnership working delivering real benefit and value to our residents.

“The purchase of new electric vehicles and improvements to existing ones has been made possible by the council’s continued close working relationship with our bus operators through our Enhanced Partnership, soon to be strengthened further. We look forward to seeing passengers using them in the future.”

Successful bids included the Oxford Bus Company’s parent group Go-Ahead, which was awarded £1.204m towards the purchase of 13 new single deck electric buses to serve the Oxfordshire area.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “This is another significant sustainability milestone for the Oxfordshire bus network and takes the total number of electric buses now operating in our Oxfordshire fleet to 117.

“The investment from Oxfordshire County Council has been supported by an additional £3.9m investment from our business, and collectively this enables us to expand our fleet of electric buses on to more routes outside the Oxford SmartZone, further improving air quality for local communities.

“The result of strong partnership working, I’d like to thank Oxfordshire County Council and Go-Ahead Group for supporting this investment.”

Reading Buses was awarded £60,000 to improve the passenger experience in four vehicles which serve Peppard Common, including installing USB chargers, 5G ready Wi-Fi and tap-out readers.

Three community transport operators have also received grants.

West Oxfordshire Community Transport (WOCT) was awarded a total of £138,605 towards the cost of converting two diesel minibuses into fully electric vehicles, install EV charging equipment and fit internal and external CCTV camera systems on all its vehicles.

WOCT is a community owned cooperative, running nine bus routes across west Oxfordshire and providing vital transport links for the local community.

Andrew Lyon, Chief Executive of West Oxfordshire Community Transport, said: “We are very excited regarding the opportunities provided by the VIF grants. The first grant will provide cameras for our buses, which will enhance safety for both our drivers and passengers.

“The second grant will enable us to explore the possibility of converting redundant diesel buses to electric vehicles. Conversion of redundant buses is a double win for the environment.

“Conversion means the carbon emissions produced during both manufacture and operation are drastically reduced. In addition, as far as we know, this conversion has not been attempted before. If the project is successful, it will provide a template for the future.”

First and Last Mile, a volunteer led company serving rural villages in the Eynsham area, received £1,536 to convert a minibus passenger door and step from manual to electric operation to improve efficiency and accessibility.

Our Bus Bartons will use its £385 grant to design, manufacture and install additional safety rails to help passengers board and disembark their two electric minibuses.

Community transport is part of the voluntary sector and plays a key role in filling gaps in service where public transport is not available. It helps provide safe, accessible, cost effective, flexible transport run by the community for the community in rural and urban areas.

It is hoped that the vehicle improvement fund will be repeated in future years to build on the decarbonisation and passenger improvements delivered by the ZEBRA scheme, which funded 159 electric buses to serve Oxfordshire.

Anyone wanting to support WOCT can visit its crowdfunding page Ignite the next mile.

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It has been concluded that possible remains of the historic Blackfriars Mill Stream, medieval revetments and industrial activity may be found by future archaeological work at the Speedwell Street site.

However, the current footprint of the building itself is not affected by these potential discoveries or the future planned archaeology work. Work can therefore proceed with a planned opening in April 2028. The building will replace County Hall as the council’s city centre hub.

Originally the plan was to enlarge Speedwell House but it was announced in October that this was to be revised to the existing footprint of the council-owned office. The aim is to create a high-quality flexible space for colleagues and councillors to work and meet in. The development will also play an important part in the regeneration of the southern end of the city centre.

Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, said: “This conclusion by archaeological experts confirms that we made a very sound and sensible decision to focus on the existing building as we plan our transformation of Speedwell House.

“Since we initially outlined our proposals in early 2024 to move from County Hall to Speedwell House, local government reorganisation across England was announced by government. The archaeology findings thus presented us with an opportunity to factor the future changes to the local government landscape into our thinking.

“It will be exciting to see the building take shape and we believe it will help regenerate this area of Oxford as well as being a modern, net-zero home for council staff and councillors into the future, whatever shape Oxfordshire’s local government takes. As we have said, the sale of County Hall will provide the funding for the renewal of Speedwell House. The plan works financially as well as operationally.”

As reported in September, contracts have been exchanged for the sale of County Hall to global investor and UK real estate owner and operator L&G, on behalf of its Managed Property Fund. They have commissioned developers Reef Origin who already have strong experience of working in Oxford.

The plan is to move from County Hall in late 2026. During 2027 and early 2028 the council plans to utilise its existing office space in and beyond Oxford to accommodate staff whose current home base is County Hall as well as a council chamber and coroner’s court.

Cllr Levy added: “An interim way forward for 2027 is being discussed and there are plenty of good options for us to consider from our own office space. We will provide a firm update when conclusions have been reached.”

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Oxford’s temporary congestion charge launches tomorrow morning, 29 October. The temporary initiative from Oxfordshire County Council will reduce traffic in the city while Botley Road remains closed, preventing the start of the traffic filter trial.

The temporary congestion charge will be at points on six roads in Oxford. Cars with permits and all other vehicles can pass through the charge locations for free. Without a permit, a charge of £5 per day will be payable to drive a car through the six congestion charge locations. 

The interim scheme will contribute towards creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive city. It will improve bus services, with both major bus companies operating in the city announcing changes to their services as a result of the scheme, and the county council providing free park and ride bus journeys in Oxford for an initial period of three months. It will also make it easier for those with permits, including carers, traders and blue badge holders, to travel by car into and around Oxford.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “I am very pleased that Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company have come forward with significant service improvements, and that we as a council are able to offer the benefit of free park and ride bus travel, as a result of this scheme.

“We will be watching the impacts carefully as residents, visitors and businesses adjust to the temporary congestion charge.”

Up to two adults and three children with a valid park and ride parking ticket will be able to claim free travel to and from park and ride sites in the city. The tickets will be valid on any Stagecoach, Oxford Bus Company or Thames Travel bus that visits an Oxford park and ride site, not just named park and ride services. 

There are many different permit types available that allow free travel through the congestion charge points. Permit applications covering different circumstances can be made from the county council website, including for residents, traders, carers and blue badge holders. To find out about different permits and exemptions, visit the congestion charge website.

Those driving in a car without a permit can pay the congestion charge online by midnight on the day after driving through one of the six charge locations – no account is needed. There is also an option to pay by phone. 

Notes

• Each congestion charge location covers just one point on the road. Cars can use the road on either side of these locations at any time without a permit.
• There are directional signs providing drivers advance warning of the charging locations. Traffic signs will show when and where the congestion charge applies to cars, and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will enforce the restrictions.
• Residents can get a limited number of day passes each year, and some groups are eligible for permits for unlimited travel.
• Locations and operating times:
  • Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way - Monday to Saturday - At peak times between 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm
  • Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement’s Street and Thames Street - Monday to Sunday - 7am to 7pm
• During the first six weeks of the temporary charge, the council will send a letter the first time any car goes through a congestion charge point without paying or using a permit, instead of sending a penalty charge notice.
• Monitoring data for the scheme will be published monthly. The scheme will remain in place until the traffic filters trial is introduced, once Botley Road reopens, expected to be August 2026.

You can find out more about the congestion charge, who’s eligible for a free permit and how to apply at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/congestioncharge

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The aim will be to create a high-quality flexible space for colleagues and councillors to work and meet in, and for residents to come for meetings, events and to use facilities. It will also play an important role in the regeneration of the southern end of the city centre.

The revised proposal for Speedwell will include many of the elements in the original plan, including office and collaboration space, meeting rooms, a council chamber / conference facilities, and a coroner’s court, as well as offering welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces for public use.

The original plan was for a larger building with more office space. However the discovery of archaeological finds at the site meant this had to be revisited.

From 2028 onwards the council will therefore now look to use Speedwell as a city centre hub alongside its other properties across the county. Plans will also be informed by the government’s decision on local government reorganisation, which is expected in late spring/early summer 2026.

The redeveloped Speedwell House is due to open in April 2028. As the move out of County Hall is currently scheduled for the end of 2026, the council is actively exploring how it can use existing buildings to provide temporary accommodation for officers and councillors to work in as well as suitable spaces for a council chamber and a coroner’s court. By using its own buildings between late 2026 and April 2028 costs will be minimal.

Cllr Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, said: “Having thoroughly assessed the situation after the archaeological finds at the site we believe that relocating our city centre hub to a transformed Speedwell House is the right decision and we look forward to progressing this and providing further detail to everyone as soon as we can. It is important to note that our revised plans will create minimal cost as our focus will be on fully utilising our existing buildings.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme

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

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

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

Kennington improvements

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

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

o   the replacement of Kennington rail bridge

o   improved facilities for cycling and walking

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

o   increased capacity of the Hinksey streams for flood alleviation

o   maintenance work on the Kennington road bridge.

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

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

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Five primary schools in Oxford and Didcot will have their school streets programme made permanent.

School streets encourage safe and active journeys to school with road restrictions around school start and finish times The decision was made at an Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member meeting on 9 October 2025.

The schools are:

•  St Mary and St John CE primary school in east Oxford,

• New Hinksey CE primary school in south Oxford,

• Tyndale primary free school in Cowley,

• Sandhills community primary school in Headington,

• Manor primary school in Didcot

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said:  “I am extremely proud of the way these schools and their neighbourhoods have embraced their school streets and the opportunities reduced traffic brings, including support from local groups to create park and stride spaces where parents living further away can swap ten minutes finding a spot to park for a short walk through the school street and chance to socialise with school friends and other families.

“School streets create a safer and welcoming environment where children can walk, wheel or cycle to school with their parents or carers, and a quieter space at school start and finish times where residents can benefit from quiet streets without congestion and parking impacts from the school run.

"Nor do the benefits end there: children who travel sustainably to school have better educational outcomes, better physical and mental health, and learn vital skills which will help develop resilience and independence as they grow and explore their community and neighbourhood.”

The schools have been trialling their school streets using ANPR cameras under an experimental traffic regulation order since September 2024, and before this were trialling the school streets concept with volunteers operating pop-up gates at school start and finish times to discourage motor traffic from entering close to the school gates.

The aim is to reduce traffic and create a safer environment for children, parents, and teachers to walk or cycle to school.

The ANPR cameras will operate only during set school drop-off and pick-up times, on school days only and covering only the entry point. Residents and business owners in the school street, and dependent on the school street for access, are exempt from its restrictions. Other exemptions also apply including emergency vehicles, blue badge holders, certain service vehicles and carers.

Notes to editors

• More information about school streets:
  • Report to cabinet (p3).
  • Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure plan.
  • School streets (including details of existing school street locations and operating times, and exemptions).
• 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.
• School streets are a part of the vision set out in Oxfordshire County Council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan 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.
• Four primary schools in the county previously trialled their phase one school streets with the support of Oxfordshire County Council under the UK government’s active travel initiative since 2021. Larkrise, St Ebbe’s and Windmill schools in Oxford and St Nicolas school in Abingdon were the first schools in the county to successfully implement permanent school streets. They trialled volunteer-led pop-up gates before progressing to ANPR use.
• Secondary images show children and parents volunteering for the Manor School, Didcot school street trial.

Oxfordshire County Council is currently seeking people’s views on proposals to trial a further phase (phase three) of school streets – at Harriers Banbury Academy, Edith Moorhouse primary school and St Joseph's Catholic primary school in Carterton, and Willowcroft community primary school and St Birinus boys school in Didcot. This includes a proposal to extend the phase 2 school street for Sandhills community primary school in Headington to include Delbush Avenue following concerns about road safety and parking issues. People can read the proposals and share their feedback in a survey open until the end of 13 October 2025.

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The Ambassador hit the road as part of the ‘domestic roadshow’ launched by the Government earlier this year, in which Ambassadors and High Commissioners are being dispatched to meet businesses around the country to support them to expand into key growth-driving markets, such as the EU.

Over half of the UK’s total trade last year was with the EU - valued at £813 billion – and the visit marks an important step in the Government’s reset with the EU to improve economic cooperation and drive Growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

Ambassador Appleby met with Oxfordshire County Council Leader Liz Leffman and local businesses during a two-day tour of Oxfordshire to discuss trade and investment opportunities.

On Monday, 6 October, he toured the Bicester Motion community of world-leading automotive and aviation technology businesses, visited the FarmED regenerative agriculture centre near Chipping Norton to discuss sustainable farming and biodiversity initiatives with the North East Cotswolds Farmer Cluster, and hosted a networking reception at Blenheim Palace with representatives from businesses across Oxfordshire. 

On Tuesday, 7 October, Ambassador Appleby visited Harwell Science and Innovation Campus and The Oxford Science Park for discussions about Oxfordshire’s thriving science and technology offer, before visiting Oxford Brookes University to discuss the higher education sector. 

Cllr Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Oxfordshire is a place of national and global significance, with the power to change lives.  From world-class universities and cutting-edge science parks to our rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, Oxfordshire plays a vital role in driving innovation and economic prosperity for the region and nation.  

 “That’s why we’re committed to working with partners in the UK and abroad to unlock Oxfordshire’s full potential, supporting sustainable and inclusive growth for the county.  It has been a pleasure to welcome the ambassador and introduce him to the breadth of what Oxfordshire has to offer. We look forward to the benefits this visit will bring as we deepen our international partnerships for the mutual benefit of Oxfordshire, the UK and our global collaborators.” 

Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty said:  “Throughout the world, our Ambassadors and High Commissioners play a crucial role in connecting British businesses to global export opportunities and delivering investment, jobs and growth to our towns and cities.

“This government led the reset of our relationships with our European partners so we could strengthen the UK’s trade and investment ties with our biggest economic market, and Ambassador Appleby’s visit to Oxfordshire is one more step in that process.

“Diplomacy must always deliver for working people. That is why building partnerships between businesses and our key markets around the world is a central part of this Government’s Plan for Change.”  

 Ambassador Appleby said: “I was thrilled to be in Oxfordshire to meet with local leaders to discuss how I can help to drive overseas investment into the area and help local businesses with export opportunities. 

“So many of these innovative and excellent Oxfordshire products and services could find a market in Europe.

“Over half of the UK’s total trade last year was with the EU - valued at £813 billion. The government has reset our relationship with our European partners to improve economic cooperation. 

 “This is why we’re now hitting the road to speak directly to community leaders and businesses, so that not a single opportunity is missed to generate trade and investment wins overseas. 

 “The UK Government’s Plan for Change is making Britain the best country to do business with, and I am looking forward to supporting Oxfordshire on the international stage.”  

To date over a dozen Roadshow visits have taken place across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, helping to build international connections for local businesses.

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.

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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.

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Oxfordshire County Council is awarding the grants, ranging from £500 to £36,000, to fund new routes and services, vehicle running costs, and drivers’ expenses.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Oxfordshire’s community transport sector is a lifeline to many people who don’t drive or don’t have a car.

“The grants will make a big difference to all four organisations and help them to continue the great work they are doing. We are extremely grateful for all the work they and other community transport groups do to make life easier for residents.”

The recipients, who will receive their grants over between one and five years to support continuation of their schemes are Daybreak Oxford, Thame Senior Friendship Centre, Filkins & Broughton Poggs volunteer doctor and hospital car service, and Wallingford Town Council.

The Wallingford project, in association with Going Forward Buses, is already in operation, with the new 131 town bus service going live from 1 September.

Daybreak Oxford, which transports people with dementia to and from day centres and takes the older population on shopping trips, received £25,072 to provide new provision in areas of the city not previously served.

Community transport is part of the voluntary sector and plays a key role in filling gaps in service where public transport is not available. It helps provide safe, accessible, cost effective, flexible transport run by the community for the community in rural and urban areas.

Community transport can include car clubs, community minibuses, dial-a-ride, lift shares, taxi shares and voluntary car schemes.

Some groups offer services just for their members, while others are open to the public. They can take disabled people to work, children to school, sick people to healthcare and older people to the shops. Some run local bus routes and provide transport for a wide range of clubs and other groups.

Last month, the Villager Community Bus Services unveiled a new electric minibus, which was part funded by £50,000 awarded in 2024’s round of grants.

It runs the Chippy Shuttle, an hourly, weekday service connecting residential areas in Chipping Norton with town centre shops, services and the out of town health centre.

It has been running for nine years and provides an essential service for residents who have mobility problems and no access to their own transport. The new electric minibus replaces its previous diesel vehicle.

Keith Gowing, Chairman of the Villager Community Bus Services, said: “Our new battery powered bus enables us to continue providing the shuttle service to our many loyal customers whilst reducing our impact on the environment in terms of reduced carbon emissions, air pollution and vehicle noise.

“We could not have afforded this without the help of Oxfordshire County Council.”

The council supports the development of not for profit community transport groups and services.

Small start-up grants to help groups in their development are available, while the council can also help with the cost of training volunteers as minibus and passenger assistants.

More information is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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Oxfordshire County Council has exchanged contracts with buyers for County Hall who wish to create a high-quality hotel, transforming the existing buildings and continuing the regeneration of the West End of the city.

The proposed sale is to global investor and UK real estate owner and operator, L&G, on behalf of its Managed Property Fund. They have commissioned developers Reef Origin who already have strong experience of working in Oxford.

Receipts from the sale of County Hall will be used for the refurbishment and upgrading of Speedwell House on Speedwell Street.

The move out of County Hall will happen in spring 2027. A recent potentially significant archaeological find at the Speedwell site means staff may not be able to occupy that building from that time. A temporary alternative would need to be found.

County Hall was marketed for sale in autumn 2024 and 19 bids were submitted. A thorough analysis was undertaken to assess the bids against a range of criteria to ensure best value and deliverability.

A wide range of interest was registered in the buildings, with uses in mind such as offices, science labs, hotels, residential, student accommodation, education, commercial use and church/congregation space.

At the February 2025 cabinet meeting of the county council, officers recommended the freehold disposal of County Hall to the bidder selected after analysis had been completed. Now that the contract has been signed it is possible to disclose the identity of the bidder and their intentions for the site.

The building, which dates from 1973, currently primarily comprises office accommodation. Old County Hall, dating from 1841, comprises the Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court and is listed Grade II*.

Cllr Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “These plans are very exciting for Oxford and the ongoing transformation of the West End of the city. L&G and Reef are offering a very high quality and impressive future for the County Hall site that will complement and improve the whole area as well as offering a significant boost to our local economy.

“The plans for the County Hall site will link all of the regeneration schemes in the West End of the city and enable residents and visitors alike to access and enjoy the area around the castle site.”

Old County Hall was included in the marketing of the site to allow the council to assess market interest and to make an informed decision about the future of the building.

As a result, Old County Hall was included in the prospective sale. All listed buildings are legally protected meaning any alterations, extensions, or demolitions must receive consent from Oxford City Council who, when considering the planning application from the developer, would be required to protect its character and historical integrity.”

Rob Codling, Head of Commercial Funds – Real Estate Equity, L&G: “We’re delighted to announce the acquisition of County Hall Oxford. This represents a fantastic opportunity which builds on L&G’s established investor presence in Oxford and track record of delivering high-quality real estate throughout the city. Oxford is a vibrant city brimming with innovation, creativity and history, and we are continually dedicated to funding and developing assets which support the wider city’s economy and society.

“The repurposing of the Listed Old County Hall and the redevelopment of County Hall aims to deliver a high-quality hotel with strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials. We look forward to transforming the site into a prime asset within the West End of Oxford, all while upholding the historic legacy and rich charm of the building.”

Will Rohleder, a partner at Reef Origin, said: “Reef are delighted to have been selected to reposition this important project in Oxford City Centre. This will be our fourth major scheme in the last eight years having recently completed the redevelopment of the Boswells Department Store into the Store Hotel and secured planning for Beaver House.

“We are fully aware of the sensitivities regarding this asset and the Grade II * listed Old County Hall and will work closely with the county council and other key stakeholders to make sure it is curated accordingly.

“This is not just about preserving an important part of Oxford’s history but about breathing new life into it. By blending sustainability with heritage, we can create spaces that celebrate the history while paving the way for a greener, more responsible future.

“Old County Hall will include a mixture of restaurant, bar and gallery uses as well as a roof terrace open to the public to enjoy the stunning views across the famous city roofscape. We will also look to landscape and soften the buildings frontage and service yard to create external seating and a pocket garden sanctuary for both local residents and visitors.”

The changes, based on consultation feedback, will be reviewed by the council’s Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 27 August alongside consultation reports, technical reports and other information. A decision on whether to implement the scheme will then be made by the council’s cabinet.

The scheme aims to reduce traffic in the short term, while Botley Road remains closed  preventing the start of the traffic filter trial, contributing towards creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive city. 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, and improve air quality in the city.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We are very grateful to the thousands of people who have taken the time to respond and give us their detailed views on this important proposal for Oxford.

“Our officers have been carefully working through and considering those responses. All of this information along with officers recommendations will be presented to the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting in the last week of August. That committee will fully debate the subject and make its own thoughts and recommendations clear to the council’s cabinet. A decision will then be taken at cabinet on 10 September. I look forward to reviewing all of the information that will be presented that day and debating this matter with cabinet colleagues.”

A six-week consultation took place on the proposals from 23 June to 3 August this year. The survey received 7,165 responses. Responses and feedback have helped shape the proposals now being presented.

In answer to survey questions, 66 per cent of people said there shouldn’t be a charge at all, 7.7 per cent thought that the charge was too high and 73.9 per cent thought that the proposals would negatively impact them. Concerns were shared as part of the survey feedback about the scheme's effectiveness, impact on local businesses, and fairness.

The proposals have been amended to address some of those concerns raised. There is also significant support in consultation feedback for the proposal’s potential to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance public transport services. 

The proposals now include more detail, with recommendations to provide free park and ride journeys alongside the introduction of the temporary charge, for an initial period of two months before reviewing, covering the busy Christmas period. Additional permits are also being considered for certain circumstances including for ice hockey clubs and business cars.

If approved the temporary scheme could be introduced in autumn this year.

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The Oxfordshire County Council project, funded by the UK government’s Housing and Growth Deal, has delivered a series of highway improvements along Woodstock Road, from Wolvercote roundabout to St Giles. 

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “I am delighted to see the beautifully designed improvements on Woodstock Road completed. Not only is it a visual improvement, crucially it’s safer for pedestrians and cyclists. This much better accessibility is part of our plan to give people genuine options to use sustainable ways of travelling on one of the major roads in the city. And to top it off, it is all looking lovely.”

In the image above from left to right: Valerie Lambrechts, Joe Bates, Patrick Mulvihill, Craig Buzzard, Helen Fallon, and Councillors Judy Roberts, Louise Upton, Andrew Gant and Emma Garnett.

The active travel improvements include:

• New and improved side road crossings, with wider pavement space; ‘at level’ shorter crossing distances for people walking and wheeling; and increased gradient of ramps for vehicles entering the side roads between and including Bevington Road and St. Margaret's Road.
• A new parallel crossing on Woodstock Road just south of Bevington Road.
• Extending the off-road cycle path on the western side of Woodstock Road between the junctions of Frenchay Road and St Margaret's Road.
• A new full-time bus stop clearway on the east side of Woodstock Road just north of the junction with St Giles.
• Local relocation of a marked parking bay (limited stay parking) outside Belsyre Court to accommodate an informal pedestrian crossing. 

The scheme was designed by the council’s principal highways maintenance contractor, M Group. The work has been shortlisted for two awards in the annual Highways Magazine’s Highways Awards – active travel scheme of the year and small project of the year – with the results to be announced in September. 

Craig Buzzard, Senior Project Manager, M Group Civil Projects, said: “It’s been a privilege to work collaboratively with Oxfordshire County Council to deliver a scheme of real significance to the local community. The project introduces safer and wider footway crossings to enhance access into Oxford city centre; improvements we hope will be warmly welcomed by both pedestrians and cyclists.

“The scheme also includes 215m² of landscaped areas and achieves measurable carbon savings through careful material selection, which reflects M Group’s dedication to delivering infrastructure that is not only functional but also environmentally responsible and community focused.” 

The Woodstock Road corridor project has also included a reversal of the direction of the bus lane between Wolvercote (A40) and Squitchey Lane. This was consulted on for six months from September 2024 and has  been implemented as a trial through an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO). A decision whether to make the bus lane reversal permanent will be made by the cabinet member for transport management in 2026.

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The Oxfordshire County Council run library will remain open until 3:30pm, instead of the usual 12:30pm, so that the community can visit, browse and become new members.

Children will be able to sign up for the “Story Garden” Reading Agency Summer Challenge which launches on the same day across Oxfordshire and the rest of the country.

The library will also be hosting a scene from the festival theatre production “Finding the Spindleberry” at various times throughout the event.

Cllr Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “This is an important event in the calendar in east Oxford and our library will be playing its part. Pay us a visit and learn more about what’s on offer as part of your enjoyment of the day.”

An annual event to celebrate the role of the military took place in Oxford today (23 June) looking ahead to national Armed Forces Day on Saturday, 28 June.

Armed Forces Day is a chance for people and organisations across the country to show their support for the armed forces community – from serving troops to service families, veterans, reservists and cadets.

The armed forces flag is being raised on buildings and landmarks around the country. Oxfordshire County Council’s flag raising event was overseen by Councillor Mark Lygo, Chair of the Council, in Oxford Castle Yard.

The event involved a parade which was led by 1 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps based at Bicester. Lieutenant Colonel Ged Hennigan joined the Councillor Lygo, the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire and the High Sherriff of Oxfordshire in raising the armed forces flag.

Military and civilian representatives were in attendance, including Oxfordshire County Council armed forces champions.

As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly – Oxfordshire County Council is proud of its strong and supportive relationship with the local armed forces community.

Councillor Lygo said: “This is the time of year when we express our sincere thanks and admiration to all military personnel and their families here in Oxfordshire, and of course to those currently serving abroad.

“We acknowledge the achievements and sacrifices of those currently serving and those who have served. Armed Forces Day and associated events are very important moments for us to give recognition and support to the armed forces based locally.”

 Oxfordshire County Council’s support to the county’s armed forces community includes:

• Hosting and supporting regular meetings of the Oxfordshire Civilian Military Partnership Board to provide a platform for partners to hear and address the needs of the armed forces community.
• Working with local health bodies to help improve access to health and dental services for armed forces families who may be disadvantaged by relocations as part of military service.
• Supporting 3,000 service pupils across 187 schools with initiatives such as the voice of the child survey, publishing the council’s service pupil promise and sharing evidence and best practice with local and national partners.
• Working closely to support military moves, such as the ongoing move of 7 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps into the county, ensuring that schools, housing, and other provisions are planned and made in advance. 
• Appointing of military champions from among elected councillors to maintain good strategic relationships with the county’s main military bases and stations.
• Affiliating the county of Oxfordshire with the Royal Navy ship HMS Diamond

More information on the work the council does to support the armed forces is available on the council’s website. 

Information about events in your area can be found on the Armed Forces Day website

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Residents, businesses and organisations in Oxfordshire can share their views on a proposal for six temporary congestion charge locations for cars in Oxford, in a survey open until 3 August.

Oxfordshire County Council is unable to start its traffic filters trial until Botley Road reopens. In response to this delay, the proposal aims to reduce traffic and improve travel during Network Rail’s extended closure of Botley Road.

The proposed temporary congestion charge is intended to improve bus services and make travel by car easier for those with permits, including community health and care workers, carers, blue badge holders, and traders. Once Botley Road reopens, the council plans to implement the traffic filters trial and the temporary congestion charge would end.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We believe the proposed temporary congestion charge could have a significant positive impact on people’s travel in and around the city by strengthening local bus services and reducing overall traffic. It’s our response to calls for urgent improvement from bus companies and others.

“I’d like to encourage residents to read through our proposal and tell us about how it might make a difference to them. I’m very keen to understand the impact of the scheme and also to see feedback on some of the details being outlined.”

Under the proposals, starting from autumn 2025, cars without a permit would pay a daily charge of £5 to pass through the six designated charge locations on Oxford roads. Cars with permits or day passes would be exempt from the charge, while all vehicles other than cars would also be able to pass through the locations at all times without being charged.

Traffic signs would clearly mark the locations of the charging cameras to make drivers aware of where the charges apply.

The scheme would make use of the existing infrastructure and back-office systems intended for traffic filters. Any surplus income from the proposed scheme would be used to fund travel improvements like cheaper bus tickets and parking at park and ride sites.

The county council is asking for people to share their views and give feedback on the level of charge, proposed permits, and priorities for improvements that could be funded by the scheme.

Feedback will help shape proposals that will be presented to the council’s cabinet in September, when it will make a decision on whether to introduce the scheme. If approved, the scheme could be in place later this year.

For more information and to provide your feedback, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/congestionchargeconsultation.

Online question and answer events will be publicised and open to all. Paper copies of the survey are available at Oxfordshire libraries and from County Hall in Oxford.

The proposed scheme aims to:

• reduce traffic
• make bus journeys faster and more reliable
• allow for new and improved bus routes
• make walking and cycling safer
• reduce local air pollution
• improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.

More information is available on the council’s website

Permits

The temporary congestion charge would only apply to cars. All other vehicles would not need to pay a charge and would not need a permit.   

Permits would be available for certain groups, including community health and care workers, carers, blue badge holders, and mobile traders - exactly the same as for the planned traffic filters trial - allowing them to pass through the charge locations without incurring a charge. 

A new central permit area would be created (zoom in to the purple area within the light blue area on the map). Permits would be available for residents, their visitors and commuters in this central area where car drivers would have no option but to pass through a charge location.

As with the planned traffic filters trial, residents in the wider Oxford permit area would be eligible for 100 day passes each year, while residents in the Oxfordshire permit area for 25 day passes each year, allowing for free travel through the charge locations on residents’ chosen days. Each day pass would allow travel through all six charge locations as many times as you like on that day. 

All permits would be free and valid for 12 months unless stated otherwise.

Without a permit, car drivers could choose an alternative route or pay the daily charge.

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Residents, businesses and organisations will be able to share their views on a proposed Oxford temporary congestion charge, as part of a public consultation starting next week, Monday 23 June, for six weeks. Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet approved the engagement process at its meeting today, 17 June.

The proposed scheme would 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 the city. This follows the council’s commitment to addressing congestion in the short-term, after its plan to implement six trial traffic filters was postponed due to the ongoing closure of Botley Road, now expected to reopen in August 2026.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “I’m looking forward to hearing what residents, businesses and visitors have to say about the proposal for temporary congestion charging points while Botley Road remains closed.

“I’m pleased that we’re continuing to consultation on this scheme that could have a significant positive impact on people’s travel in and around the city. We must do all we can to improve bus services and reduce overall traffic, to help people get around.”

The council has been exploring ways to reduce traffic congestion until the traffic filters trial can start. In this proposal, the charge locations would be exactly the same as the trial traffic filter points. The scheme could make use of the existing infrastructure and back-office systems intended for traffic filters. Any surplus income from the proposed scheme could be used to fund travel improvements like cheaper bus tickets and parking at park and ride sites.

The consultation will gather feedback on the proposed scheme's impact and details. It will include a survey on the council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire. Paper copies of information will be available in main libraries and at County Hall. A series of online information and Q&A events for the public will take place.

After the six-week consultation period, a report will be presented to the council’s cabinet for consideration. The council’s cabinet will make a decision at a meeting in September on whether to implement the scheme. If approved, the scheme would be implemented later in the autumn.

More information is available on the council’s website.

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Proposed options to manage congestion in and around Oxford will be discussed by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet on 17 June. Options will include a temporary congestion charge for the city.

The council has committed to addressing congestion in the short-term, after its plan to implement six trial traffic filters was postponed due to the ongoing closure of Botley Road, now expected to reopen in August 2026.

The council’s cabinet will be asked to approve the start of a public consultation on a temporary congestion charge. The scheme would 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 the city.

If approved, a public consultation would start on 23 June, with a view to implementing the temporary scheme in autumn this year.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We urgently need to see improvements to travel around the city; better bus services and less traffic overall, to help people get around.

“We must take action for our residents, businesses and visitors while Botley Road remains closed and I look forward to discussing the options with cabinet colleagues.”

The council has been exploring measures to alleviate traffic congestion until the traffic filters trial can start. A temporary congestion charge could make use of the existing infrastructure and back-office systems intended for traffic filters. Any surplus income from the proposed scheme could be used to fund travel improvements like cheaper bus tickets and parking at park and ride sites. 

Subject to approval, a six-week public consultation on the introduction of a temporary congestion charge would start later this month. The consultation would gather feedback on the proposed scheme's impact and details. It would include a survey on the council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire. Paper copies of information will be available in main libraries and at County Hall. A series of online information and Q&A events for the public would take place. 

See the Traffic Filter Trial Delay - Mitigation Proposals report

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In early February, the government set out more detail on its timelines for changes in local government structures.

A request was made to all remaining two-tier areas across England (county and district councils) for interim proposals for new single-tier (unitary) authorities by 21 March and final proposals by 28 November.

Cabinet or executive meetings will take place at Cherwell District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council on this subject between 19 and 20 March.

Each cabinet or executive will be asked to endorse a joint response to government that sets out how local authorities in our area are collaborating to develop proposals for new unitary structures. The response will also include information on each of the three options being developed for Oxfordshire, in line with the criteria set out in the government’s statutory invitation. The options are:

1.    A single unitary council for Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire Council.

2.    North Oxfordshire Council (created from the existing district councils of Cherwell, Oxford City and West Oxfordshire) and Ridgeway Council (created from the existing district councils of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse and the unitary council of West Berkshire).

3.    Three unitary authorities – with a unitary city on expanded boundaries as well as northern and southern unitaries, also including West Berkshire.

Should each cabinet or executive approve this approach, further detailed discussions will take place between the councils so that final proposals can be submitted by 28 November. The government will then decide what form unitarisation will take in Oxfordshire.

In parallel, all Oxfordshire councils, with other partners, will continue collaborating to propose a mayoral strategic authority to government as part of the national programme of devolution and re-organisation of local government. 

Councillor David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “Cherwell’s thriving market towns, valued rural communities, and diverse economy give our area a distinct identity, which we want to enhance through any local government reorganisation. We have worked closely with neighbouring Oxfordshire councils to develop credible initial options for further discussion. Our focus is prioritising strong local governance and securing the best outcomes for our residents.”

Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “New unitary councils could provide a strong foundation for the future. It’s an opportunity to provide enhanced financial stability, sustainable economic growth, and to address our housing and infrastructure needs. Our cabinet will discuss its preferred approach on 19 March, focusing on the needs of our communities as well as the government's criteria for new councils."

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Unitary councils will be simpler for everyone. We propose separate councils for central, northern and southern Oxfordshire together with West Berkshire, to reflect our distinct geographies. We are working collaboratively with the other councils in the interests of Oxfordshire residents and businesses, and our place in a mayoral strategic authority.”

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: "Local government reorganisation offers an opportunity to improve our services for residents and nurture a vibrant and inclusive economy. We must maintain the links between our great universities and organisations developing advanced technology, including on Bicester, Culham, Harwell and Milton Park campuses, so that our county can drive change across the Oxford to Cambridge corridor."

Councillor Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “The government's invitation provides an opportunity to combine the strengths of existing councils to create a modern and effective local authority that puts people and communities at the heart of strong, healthy and robust local government, all while providing a firm base for wider regional economic growth."

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “West Oxfordshire has a rich cultural and heritage environment. In a changing landscape we need to work together in partnership with neighbouring authorities to ensure we have improved services, a strong workforce and that our communities voice and engagement is heard and enshrined in emerging local government structures.”

The dates of individual cabinet and executive meetings are:

• Cherwell District Council, Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, 19 March.
• Oxfordshire County Council, 20 March.

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. 

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The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled plans for an Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor that it is reported will boost the UK economy by up to £78 billion by 2035. Lord Patrick Vallance is to be appointed as Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion

Cllr Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: We particularly welcome the investment in East-West Rail, which is so important for connectivity across the Oxford to Cambridge corridor. As is well known our ambition at the county council is to see greater investment in our rail infrastructure locally and regionally to boost connectivity and productivity. But we also need urgent action to fix our crumbling water and sewage system, and improve the electricity grid, if the region is to flourish.

“We look forward to working with Lord Patrick Vallance in his new role, alongside our partners in Oxfordshire and neighbouring areas, to enable our county and the wider region to reach its full potential.  

“One aspect of the announcement which will cause concern locally is the mention of a new reservoir near Steventon. We know that this is opposed by the majority of local people and has been questioned and scrutinised at many levels over a long period of time.”

An on-street enforcement exercise by Oxfordshire County Council’s counter fraud team led to two men appearing at Oxford Magistrates’ Court last week. It follows the prosecution of a woman in Oxford in May for a similar offence.

On Friday 13 December, Andrew Gill, 34, of Overdale Close, Oxford, and Johnis Lleshi, 21, of Overmead Green, Oxford, admitted illegally using blue badges to park in Oxford city centre.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “People rely on their blue badges so that they can park near workplaces, supermarkets, and health facilities. Illegal use of the scheme denies a space to someone who really needs it.

“It is not acceptable to misuse this service and the recent enforcement operation shows that this council is taking action to stop this abuse.”

Mr Gill used a blue badge to park on 21 May 2024. The council’s fraud team established that Mr Gill was using a badge that had been cancelled as its owner, Mr Gill’s mother, had died three years earlier. 

He was fined £134 plus a court charge of £54 and the council was awarded costs of £350.

Mr Lleshi was found guilty of illegally using a blue badge to park on 19 June 2024 and for failing to present it for inspection when requested to do so.  

When later interviewed under caution he admitted buying the badge from the social media platform Snapchat.

He was fined £153 plus a court charge of £61 and the council was awarded costs of £350.

A further case was adjourned until the new year.

Blue badge misuse is a criminal offence and can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record. A penalty charge notice will normally be issued to anyone misusing a disabled parking bay.

As well as removing blue badges from people who are misusing and abusing the scheme, enforcement is used to raise awareness of the importance of the badges for residents who really need them.

Many people rely on their blue badge to remain mobile and independent, enabling them to access goods and services.

Inappropriate use of limited disabled parking bays can result in blue badge holders missing medical appointments, not being able to get out to buy food, or get to work.

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Five primary schools in Oxford and Didcot will have their school streets programme supported by the use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. The decision was made at an Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member meeting on 5 September 2024.

The schools have been trialling the school streets concept, which involves timed road closures with volunteers operating pop-up gates close to school entrances at school start and finish times. The aim is to reduce the volume of motor vehicles during school drop-off and pick-up times creating a safer environment for children, parents, and teachers to walk or cycle to school.

During October and November,  ANPR cameras will be installed at the school street entry points to help operate the scheme consistently without reliance on a volunteer team. The cameras will operate only during set school drop-off and pick-up times, on school days only and covering only the entry point.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “School streets are a simple but very effective way to help make it easier for the school community to start and finish the school day feeling safer, more confident and healthy.

“It’s also a hugely positive thing that schools are supporting their families even further to get the most out of the school journey with other opportunities such as walking buses and park and stride – which allows people who need to drive for longer or more complex journeys to park nearby and enjoy the social benefits of walking or wheeling for the last leg of the school run.” 

“As a highway authority we have a responsibility to improve how people can get about the county, together with a duty to reduce our impacts on the environment and make it better for everyone. We have learned from the school streets scheme so far that generally school communities enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the school street and residents are seeing less of traffic impacting how they enjoy their neighbourhood and access their homes. I am incredibly proud of our local schools helping us strive to make Oxfordshire the best it can be and look forward to the continued success of the school streets.” 

The schools are:

• St Mary and St John Church of England Primary School, Oxford
• Sandhills Community Primary School, Oxford
• Tyndale Community (Primary) School, Oxford
• New Hinksey Church of England Primary School, Oxford, and
• Manor Primary School, Didcot.

Residents and businesses in the school street locations will receive letters on how to apply for their vehicle exemptions and when their school street ANPR cameras will become operational. Oxfordshire County Council’s school street webpages also provide a full of list of exempt vehicles – which includes residents, local businesses, blue badge holders and carers – and details on how to register an exemption.

Notes to editors

• More information about school streets:

• Full report to cabinet.
•  Local Transport and Connectivity Plan.
• Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure plan.
• School streets (including details of existing school street locations and operating times, and exemptions).

• 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. 
• School streets are a part of the vision set out in Oxfordshire County Council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan 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. 
• Four primary schools in the county previously trialled their phase one school streets with the support of Oxfordshire County Council under the UK government’s active travel initiative since 2021. Larkrise, St Ebbe’s and Windmill schools in Oxford and St Nicolas school in Abingdon were the first schools in the county to successfully implement permanent school streets. They trialled volunteer-led pop-up gates before progressing to ANPR use. 
 

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

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Residents will benefit from safer cycling and walking routes after proposals to improve paths and crossings between Oxford Business Park and Hollow Way were approved at a county council cabinet member decision meeting on 20 June.

The improvements on the stretch of the B480, Garsington Road in Oxford will make it easier and more enjoyable to walk, wheel and cycle and will improve road safety.

The plans include a new crossing, new and improved paths for walking and cycling, and road humps at side roads for safer crossing and to encourage careful driving at junctions.

Bill Cotton, Oxfordshire County Council’s Corporate Director for Environment and Place, said: “Garsington Road is a key route in our city network – linking the eastern bypass with Oxford’s eastern arc, and providing a business centre with a thriving business park that is home to over 65 diverse businesses and facilities.

“Creating the best environments to support active travel in our busy city is hugely important. These changes will mean that more people will be able to choose cycling and walking as part of their daily travel, benefitting health and wellbeing and keeping our vibrant city moving.

“The upgrades to Garsington Road are a part of our commitment to help make the road safer for everyone using it, with a special focus on vulnerable road users.”

The upgrades include:

• A new toucan crossing on the western side of Garsington Road/John Smith Drive roundabout, replacing the existing crossing that is nearby.  The crossing will have lights and will be wider to give more space to cross for people walking, wheeling, pushing prams or with bicycles.
• Extending the existing cycleways on Garsington Road by upgrading footways and cycleways on the southern side of the road. These will be shared use between John Smith Drive and the petrol station, then segregated with marked dividing lines between the petrol station and St. Luke’s Road.
• Adding shared use footways and cycleways around the northern and southern sides of the Garsington Road/John Smith Drive roundabout. This will include raised tables to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists crossing the junctions. 
• Installing flat top road humps at the junctions of Phipps Road, Napier Road and St. Luke's Road to provide a wide continuous footway and promote pedestrian and cyclist priority crossing the junctions. They will also help reduce vehicle speed entering and exiting the side roads.

Construction work to install the improvements is planned for later this summer, ahead of the traffic filters trial beginning in the autumn.

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

• You can read more about the project on the county council website oxfordshire.gov.uk/garsingtonroadtravel. The project is funded by the government’s Active Travel Fund.
• More details are in the cabinet report (Page 4, item 7).
• Proposals were open for formal consultation between 25 April and 24 May 2024 – details of this are in the cabinet report (Annex 5, pp235 -244).
• 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.

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Oxfordshire County Council has approved proposals for Oxford’s Broad Street public realm project to continue.

The project provides a mix of seating and planting in the heart of the city centre to promote wellbeing and a greener cityscape while encouraging less reliance on motor vehicles for local trips. The area is surrounded by historic buildings and is next to some of Oxford’s most popular streets for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It opened in October 2022 as part of the county council’s commitments to deliver new access to green space in the county’s urban areas.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management said:

 “This is a new foundation from which we can really establish Oxford’s historic centre as an important landmark. Broad Street project’s public social space provides a rest spot for shoppers, meeting point for friends, lunch place for people working in the city centre and a focal point integrated into the city’s many walking tours. Making the scheme permanent will allow for examining more options to really make the space something very special for generations to come.”

The decision was made to make the current experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) on Broad Street permanent under a formal traffic regulation order, including to:

• Replace the current kerb ramps with permanent dropped kerbs and tactile paving to clearly identify the position of the dropped kerbs – subject to available budget (report page 21, paragraph 70).
• Investigate medium and longer-term measures to further enhance Broad Street and surrounding streets – subject to funding availability. This includes seeking funding to add more permanent street furniture.

The project currently features street furniture made by local workshop RAW and family business Woodblocx and installed by Oxford Direct Services. Further plans to enhance the space would be opened to public consultation at a future date and are subject to funding.

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

• Approval for an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) for the temporary public realm scheme of the street was given on Thursday 21 July 2022, as part of a delegated decision meeting for highways management. [Item 4, pages 1 - 13].
• Public consultations on the project ran from 24 August to 16 September 2022 and from 25 October 2022 to 31 July 2023 – extended to allow for a wider seasonal experience of the project). More detail on the consultation findings is in the report to cabinet of 14 December 2023.
• Medium and longer-term measures would include improvements to road safety as identified through monitoring and feedback during the ETRO phase, and public realm enhancements. Statutory conditions and budget limits restricted more permanent furniture from being put in place during the experimental stage.

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Last week (5 October), the two councils won the ‘Exemplary Contribution to Net Zero’ award at the 20th UK National Transport Awards show for their collaboration on the Oxford ZEZ.

The two councils introduced the Oxford ZEZ pilot in February 2022. The first of its kind in the UK, the ZEZ pilot covers all or part of nine streets in the heart of the city centre, restricting polluting vehicles from entering streets between 7am and 7pm every day. 

The project was praised for the technical planning, collaboration and political will required to introduce the ZEZ in Oxford.

The two councils worked closely together on planning for the project and on engagement with residents and partners. Last year, both councils were also awarded the prestigious clean air award for their work on the ZEZ.

Within the ZEZ pilot, zero emission vehicles such as electric cars can be used in the zone free of charge. All petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, incur a daily ZEZ charge of up to £10 unless they have a discount or exemption. The charge varies depending on the emission levels of the vehicle.

Proposals are being developed to extend the ZEZ to a wider area in the city centre. These proposals will be subject to future public consultation.

Initial air quality reports for 2022 have found that air pollution levels decreased overall both within the zero emission zone pilot, and the surrounding streets. A full report on the impact of the ZEZ pilot will be published later this year.

The ZEZ has also been a catalyst for accelerating the transition to zero emission vehicles in Oxford, with several businesses already shifting towards zero emission vehicles within their fleets.

More information can be found on the county council’s zero emission zone webpages.

Councillor Anna Railton, Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford and Climate Justice, said: “It is great news that the Oxford zero emission zone pilot has once again been recognised for its importance and innovation in tackling air pollution. It was a major moment in our city’s journey to tackle toxic emissions, and I am delighted that it is being praised as an exemplary scheme.”

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that our pioneering work to improve air quality, cut carbon emissions, and move towards zero emission travel in the city has been recognised again. It is a significant national recognition of our practical work towards our vision of healthier, greener and fairer county. I would like to recognise the hard work and commitment of all our officers who have got this scheme to this point, and I look forward to seeing it take its part in transforming Oxford and Oxfordshire in the future.”

Have your say

The two councils are currently consulting on proposed changes to the charging scheme in the ZEZ pilot. The proposed changes include:

•  Continuing the discounts for Blue Badge holders, disabled tax class vehicles and residents and businesses within the zone indefinitely by removing the discount end dates.
• Keeping the ZEZ pilot charges at their current level by removing the planned increase in daily charges from 1 August 2025.

A survey is open on Oxfordshire County Council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire, until 5pm on Tuesday, 24 October.

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Network Rail has issued an update about its plans to replace the rail bridge over Botley Road in Oxford, as part of its wider project to expand the station on the western side. It will involve full closures of Botley Road to through traffic for several months at a time in 2023 and 2024.

Network Rail has had detailed discussions with the government and Oxfordshire County Council and is now working to a new approved project timeline:

• 11 April 2023 to the end of October 2023: Botley Road closure for through traffic for utility diversion work.
• March 2024 - October 2024: Botley Road closed to through traffic for highway work.

Network Rail originally planned for a 12 month closure starting in January 2023, but this had to be amended due to the complexities involved.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “It is great to hear we have confirmed dates from Network Rail for work to start to redevelop Oxford Station. It will improve capacity for passengers and freight and is vital for the development of projects such as East West Rail and other improvements.

“As with any project of this scale, it will inevitably mean disruption – in this case the closure of Botley Road for two significant periods. While this cannot be avoided, we will do all we can to minimise the impact on the rest of the road network. We will work closely with Network Rail and our other partners, such as the bus companies, to keep the city moving during this period.”

The county council is assessing the impact this may have on the timing of its own schemes in and around Oxford. The traffic filters trial in Oxford, approved by the council’s cabinet, will now be delayed. It cannot start until after Botley Road has fully reopened to traffic in autumn 2024.

It is expected that the other main routes into Oxford will get busier. Limited roadworks on these roads will be allowed to help mitigate this. Further parking/loading restrictions may also need to be considered. Use of bus and park and ride services will be strongly promoted for those visiting Oxford.

Between 11 April and October 2023 while the first closure is in place:

• Motorists who usually use Botley Road to get into the city are advised to use the Seacourt Park and Ride or take an alternative route.
• Buses will turn around just before the rail bridge allowing passengers to continue their journey into the city centre on foot.
• Pedestrians and cyclists will have access throughout the work.
• Network Rail is working with emergency services on access arrangements.
• Residents’ access to their homes will remain at all times, with some diversions in place.

Work is continuing to take place to look at how to ease the pressure on the rest of the road network and further details will be released as soon as they are available.

Claire Mahoney, Programme Director for Oxfordshire Connect at Network Rail, said: “Replacing the bridge at Botley Road near the station in Oxford is a critical part of the works required to improve the station for the city, increase rail traffic in Oxfordshire and improve the highway for buses into the city. There was never going to be an easy way to do this work, it’s extremely complex and needs to be carefully coordinated with multiple utility companies.

“We’ve split the work into two parts this year and next year, so that we reduce the impact on the city’s residents. We’re working closely with the city and county councils, and transport providers, so it’s easier to work and move around during the closure, but we know this is going to inevitably cause disruption. We urge residents and businesses to understand the impact on them and plan ahead whilst the works are in place.”

It is hoped that work to repair a water main on Osney Bridge on Botley Road, involving Thames Water and the Environment Agency, can be arranged during this year’s closure to avoid further disruption for road users in the future.

For information on the project visit networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect or for the latest highways information www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordstation

Anyone wishing to get the latest information on the project can sign up to receive e-mail updates at lineside.networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect

Oxfordshire County Council’s parking contractor Conduent Transportation is training its on-street parking civil enforcement officers to become the first in the country to participate in the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign to help vulnerable members of the public in dangerous or uncomfortable situations.

It is an extension of the Ask for Angela campaign that started in 2016 and is used by bars and other venues in the hospitality industry to protect people from sexual or violent assault. Anyone who feels unsafe, vulnerable, or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching staff and asking for Angela.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “This is an incredibly worthwhile initiative, and we are delighted to be trialling it first in Oxfordshire. Conduent and their officers are pioneering a new approach which we hope will make our streets safer for everyone.”

Jade Neville, Head of User Experience – UK Parking, at Conduent Transportation, said: “Conduent is proud to be the first on-street parking provider in the country to join the Ask for Angela campaign and make its contribution to improving safety on the county’s streets.”

This code phrase ‘Angela’ indicates that they require help, and a trained member of staff will look to support them. This might be through reuniting them with a friend, arranging a taxi, or calling security or the police. 

Working with Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council, and Oxford City Council’s ODS parking officers, Conduent Transportation saw an opportunity to help tackle violence against women, girls, and vulnerable people by expanding the Ask for Angela campaign outside of the hospitality industry.

Through the training, Conduent’s parking officers have been given an awareness of vulnerability and their responsibilities towards the public during their shifts. The aim is for officers to be an additional point of contact for those who feel unsafe, as Ask for Angela is taken into the wider environment.

Members of the Oxfordshire parking enforcement team receive welfare and vulnerability engagement training from the Safer Business Network, and this will also form part of the new starters’ induction process. The training is based on real life incidents and is designed to look at what can be done to tackle vulnerability on streets.

Parking Enforcement Officer, Roberta Santos, said: “The training helped me to identify a person in a vulnerable situation, or someone who does not appear comfortable. After this training, I am confident in my ability to help a person in need.”

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable, Katy Barrow-Grint, said: “Protecting vulnerable people is a priority for Thames Valley Police and partnership working is key to achieving this. Whilst we seek to prevent harm from ever taking place, we believe initiatives like this help to make people across Oxfordshire feel safer and prevent criminal activity.”

Councillor Diko Walcott, Oxford City Council Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “Oxford City Council has long supported and participated in the Ask for Angela initiative as part of our community safety strategy. It’s great to know that ODS are now including their parking attendants along with those from the county council in the scheme.”

The scheme will be operating in Oxford City, plus the Vale of White Horse, South Oxfordshire, and Cherwell District Council areas of Oxfordshire. West Oxfordshire will not be included at this stage, as different parking enforcement arrangements are in place until spring 2023.

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Residents and visitors can now enjoy a new welcoming public space in Broad Street in the heart of Oxford thanks to transformation works led by Oxfordshire County Council.

The revamped Broad Street provides a wider pedestrian area with seating and planting, creating an environment where people can meet with friends to socialise or just take a break and enjoy the area between working, sightseeing or shopping.

These changes form part of a county council project that will stay in place until spring 2024, with regular activities and events taking place and seasonal planting keeping it vibrant and attractive.

Over 150 people from a range of groups, organisations and businesses have helped to shape the Broad Street project, with insights, advice and recommendations on designing, planning, building, engineering and installation.

The council is inviting feedback on the project until 24 April 2023 at 11.59pm, which will help inform if the project could be extended or repeated at a future point (subject to funding).

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “So much work has gone into delivering this for everyone living in, working in and visiting the city. I’d like to thank the City Council, businesses, colleges, residents, events and interest groups who have helped us to shape this wonderful space.

“We are extremely proud to now unveil the results of this work for everyone to enjoy. The Broad Street project is part of our commitment to provide green public spaces in urban areas, where people can come together and enjoy a place to meet and relax, attend events, and celebrate our popular city centre.

“We are looking forward to you sharing your experiences of the project and hearing your feedback on it.” 

To improve safety on Broad Street while maintaining essential access, there have been some changes to parking spaces on Broad Street. Some disabled parking bays have moved to nearby Parks Road (outside Wadham College), motorcycle and cycle parking has been relocated to St Giles. Additional cycle parking has been provided on Broad Street. The bus set-down point on Broad Street has moved to Parks Road.

These changes ensure accessibility is maintained for those who need it, while providing a large green space for seating, socialising and events in the heart of the city.

The seating and planters have been made by award-winning Blackbird Leys social enterprise RAW workshop and family business WoodBlocX. Both companies were selected on the strength of their dedication to community support and to climate responsibility.

 You can share your views and experiences of the Broad Street project through an online survey. The survey will be open for at least six months.

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

• More about the project: Broad Street project | Oxfordshire County Council
• Broad Street project proposal:  Delegated decisions by the cabinet member for highway management
• Other Broad Street project press releases from Oxfordshire County Council:
  • Sustainability and communities come together for Broad Street project 29 September 2022
  • Broad Street to be transformed 22 July 2022

Organisations that work closely with residents were among those joining Oxfordshire’s six councils at the roundtable, which sought to identify gaps in current support, share information between partners, and build on the collaboration over recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

On top of ongoing national-level support, local support will be crucial in helping the most vulnerable in communities.

Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equalities, said: “We’re all looking with increasing concern at the financial pressures many of our residents face as we head towards the winter. We know too well the impact that poverty can have on physical and mental well-being. Evidence shows a direct link between deprivation and health outcomes, including life expectancy.

“We wanted to take this opportunity to bring organisations across the county together to share information about our respective responses to the cost of living crisis and reinforce our common purpose.”

On 20 September, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet agreed to a list of proposals to assist local people – particularly the vulnerable - over the coming months. More than £2 million of funding will be provided in 2022/23 to support the proposals with further funding in future years. Find out more about what was agreed by reading the county council’s news story.

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “This winter we are only too aware that more people will struggle with the cost of living crisis, and that means more demand on support services across the county. In Oxford, we’ve been working with services and community groups since the spring and throughout the summer on our cost of living events and advice. Sadly, we know that now we need to reach even more people. This was a valuable meeting of public sector and community organisations to share what we’re doing and the challenges in the community.

“The pandemic showed how powerful we can be when communities and individuals, supported by their local city council, come together to look after each other.”

Councillor Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “From processing council tax energy rebates, and advising on where to go for help and funding, to continuing our homeless prevention work, are some of the ways we’re supporting people in our district. We’ve requested urgent action from the government to relieve this crisis for families and individuals through providing immediate financial support.

“However, there is much more to do, and we know the power of partnership work which is why we fully support this concerted effort across the councils alongside voluntary sector partners to work together on additional measures to support people.”

Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We’re doing all we can to help those in need whilst at the same time also imploring HM Government to take the necessary steps to ease the financial pressures being faced by our communities. 

“Locally, our actions included calling for this cost of living emergency event with our partners. This is an important step to work on a coordinated community response to bring help to those who desperately need it.”

Councillor Phil Chapman, Cherwell District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities, said: “At Cherwell District Council we’re allocating additional funding to give the households in the greatest hardship two £50 food vouchers in time for Christmas. Qualifying households will hear from us in the coming weeks, and we’re also creating a warm spaces network to provide venues where people can drop in, enjoy the warmth, and meet people.

“As we head into winter, I am determined to make the best use of our community networks and local partnerships to benefit our residents. North Oxfordshire includes some of the most economically deprived wards in the county and our attendance at this roundtable event reflects our commitment to working across the Oxfordshire system to make sure the help given to all our residents reflects their level of need.”

Councillor Duncan Enright, Deputy Leader for West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The cost of living crisis affects all of us across society as the prices of everyday essentials are rising. We understand that many across West Oxfordshire are finding it hard to make ends meet so we are keen to work across the county to see what support we can provide as local councils.

“We are working with local communities across West Oxfordshire to provide additional support to those who will be struggling this winter and also working hard to let residents know about all the support already available to them. I would encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help whether that be contacting your energy provider, speaking to citizens advice or looking at what financial support is available from the government.”

More information about support available for Oxfordshire’s residents struggling with rising costs can be found at oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/help-rising-living-costs

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Oxford’s city centre will soon welcome back more open social space with a decision made by the Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Liz Leffman, to temporarily partly pedestrianise Broad Street.

The approval for an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) for a temporary public realm scheme of the street was given on Thursday 21 July, as part of a delegated decision meeting for highways management.

 Last year, Oxford City Council transformed the western part of Broad Street into an outdoor space - which contained wildflower meadows, lawns and seating - called Broad Meadow during the pandemic. The meadow enjoyed more than 100,000 visitors between July and October. Around 90 per cent of people responding to a city council consultation on Broad Meadow said they would like to see this happen again. The wealth of positive feedback has helped to inspire the county council’s plan for a new, longer trial of 18 months, covering a larger area of Broad Street. While there will be traffic restrictions, buses and cycles will have access and the scheme will include several disabled parking bays. 

The preliminary designs have already been shared on the county council’s website and are subject to final changes. For this, the county council engaged with over 150 stakeholder representatives through holding briefing sessions, workshops and site visits. Key stakeholders that took part included Oxford City Council officers and councillors, bus operators, Historic England, Oxford Preservation Trust, local businesses, emergency services, Oxford University colleges, Oxford Civic Society, Cyclox, COHSAT (Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel),  the City Council’s Inclusive Transport & Movement Focus Group  and various other interest groups and advocacy groups.

The detailed designs are still being developed and are expected to be shared by late August. This includes finalising the location of disabled parking spaces and bus stops, keeping them at easy access for the public. Construction will only take place after St Giles’ Fair.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We are really excited that we are delivering the return of this hugely popular space right in the heart of our historic city for everyone to enjoy.

“The new Broad Street project will again be one of the city centre’s largest outdoor inclusive public spaces inviting people to meet and relax between shopping, grabbing a light meal, taking in the sights or to enjoy events that can be staged in the vibrant arts space it provides.

“This year we are proud to be keeping the project open for a longer time. This is in line with our ambition for Oxford to be a city where everyone can walk and cycle safely, and we are hoping that this will become a permanent feature of the city centre.”

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

• The proposal that went to the meeting for delegated decisions by the cabinet member for highway management can be found on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.
•  Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council made the decision on behalf of Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Highways Management.
• Image shows an artist's impression of the proposed public realm scheme in Broad Street.

In April 2021 the City Council reopened face to face customer services at St Aldates Chambers, with appropriate COVID health and safety measures in place. This will continue, but will now relocate to the Westgate Library, where Oxfordshire County Council offer a similar service.

This pilot is aimed at delivering improved services to our residents by co-locating more face to face customer services provision in one place. This should be more convenient, as well as providing opportunities for more effective co-ordination between services. Residents will be able to visit one location in the city centre where they can undertake both City and County Council business. The pilot will initially run for 12 months, but if successful is intended to continue.

Officers from the City Council will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10.30am to 3.30pm at the Westgate Library. Residents can simply drop in during these times, or book an appointment with the Council by phoning 01865 249811. The City Council staff will predominantly be based on the second floor where easy access for all will be ensured by the lift service.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety said: “We are delighted to be able to trial this new working arrangement with Oxford City Council. Our public libraries provide a trusted, free to use service for residents of all ages. They are a place for local communities to meet, a safe and welcoming space to learn and provide opportunities for creativity and enjoyment.

“The county library in the Westgate provides an easily accessible and friendly environment for Oxford City residents seeking support and who require or would prefer a face to face appointment with a member of the customer service team.”

Cllr Mike Rowley, Oxford City Council’s Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services said: “We are always looking for ways to innovate and be more efficient so this move to share space at the County Council’s Westgate Central library in the centre of Oxford is a great opportunity. We will still be able to provide the same high quality customer service experience, whilst at the same time freeing up space at St Aldates Chambers.”

Councillor Glynis Phillips, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Services said: “This is a great opportunity for both councils to co-locate together and provide a seamless service to our residents. Customer service is a priority for the City and the County, and this collaboration will be a step forward in service delivery.”

City Council officers will also be joined by Citizens Advice Oxford, which has been sharing space in St Aldates Chambers, to provide customers with confidential and impartial advice whatever problems they face. Its operating hours from 31 January will be Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am to 1pm.

Chris O’Hare, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Oxford said: “As a local charity, offering key advice services, we welcome this opportunity to share this space with Oxford City Council and continue to provide advice from the central library. This is a vital service to people in Oxford who might not otherwise be able to access our services.”

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In the seven days up to 24 September, there has been a total of 2,259 confirmed new COVID-19 cases in Oxfordshire. This is an increase from 1,773 new cases in the previous week and is equivalent to a weekly rate of 324.2 per 100,000 residents. Oxford city has seen the biggest increase in cases, with a 51 per cent increase.

The biggest increase in cases is being seen among children aged 11 - 17, with specific isolated clusters of positive cases. There has also been an increase in cases among 40- to 49-year-olds. Cases in those aged 60 and above remain stable, with currently no increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions. The increase in cases mirrors the regional (south-east) and national picture.

People should stay at home if they are feeling unwell and get a PCR test as soon as possible.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “As we head into the winter months, it’s important we all do our bit to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, as well as other unpleasant seasonal bugs like the flu and norovirus.

“Although the increase in COVID cases has not translated into hospitalisations, which indicates that the vaccination programme is having a positive impact, local hospitals are continuing to report incredibly high demand in emergency departments. So, we must continue all our hard work to help stop the spread and avoid our health and social care services becoming overwhelmed.

“Crucially, people should stay away from work and school if they are feeling at all unwell, or if they have any COVID-19 symptoms. Regular lateral flow testing remains key, particularly as whole households no longer have to self-isolate if someone contracts the virus. Contacts of anyone who has tested positive should get a PCR test as soon as possible as well as anyone who develops symptoms. And we should all continue to take basic steps, including washing your hands regularly, wearing face coverings if you need to visit crowded or busier areas, ventilating rooms and being outdoors when meeting others if you can.

“Vaccination continues to be our main defence against the virus and the programme is now being extended to those aged 12 to 15, alongside booster jabs for vulnerable people. If you have not already had your COVID jab, it’s not too late to do so. On top of this, the seasonal flu vaccination programme has just started, with all young people up to Year 11 and all those over 50 now eligible for a free jab. So do come forward when you’re invited.”

Getting tested in Oxfordshire

If anyone has symptoms of COVID-19, they must self-isolate and book a PCR test as soon as possible. There are several PCR facilities available:

Getting vaccinated in Oxfordshire

Booking a vaccine if you are 18 and over can be done simply via the NHS website.

And anyone aged 16 or over can get a jab at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford – no appointment is necessary. You can find out more on Oxfordshire CCG’s website.

A third COVID-19 booster jab is also now being offered in Oxfordshire to priority groups such as to care home residents, health and social care workers, people aged over 50, those aged 16 - 49 years with underlying health conditions that puts them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, adult carers and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals. Residents will be invited by their GP or through the national booking service to book their booster appointment when it is their turn.

Case rates in Oxfordshire

The countywide rate for the week ending 24 September was 324.2 per 100,000

By district the rates are:

• Cherwell 327.3 cases per 100,000 of the population
• Oxford 431.4 cases per 100,000 of the population
• South Oxfordshire 255.9 cases per 100,000 of the population
• Vale of White Horse 327.0 cases per 100,000 of the population
• West Oxfordshire 258.6 cases per 100,000 of the population

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Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council have confirmed the new timeline after working together to resolve technical complexities in the bespoke supporting online systems for the ZEZ. The refreshed dates avoid any disruption that might have been created by introducing the ZEZ pilot during the run up to Christmas – a crucial time for businesses.

The exact start date for the ZEZ pilot will be confirmed later this year followed by a review of the timeline for the wider ZEZ to cover most of Oxford city centre.

The ZEZ pilot means polluting vehicles will be charged if driven in key city centre streets between the hours of 7am - 7pm, seven days a week.

Councillor Tom Hayes, Cabinet Member for Green Transport and Zero Carbon Oxford, said: “If you’ve been to the shops recently and wondered why some shelves look bare, you’ll understand why we’re launching the Zero Emission Zone early next year. With businesses being hit by shortages and COVID’s lingering effects, we want to give Oxford’s economy a helping hand to have the best Christmas possible. With our IT problems sorted, the Zero Emission Zone pilot can launch in February 2022 in a way which we can truly learn from. That way we can move to extending the ZEZ across the city centre, so that we can improve the air and health of people.”

Councillor Duncan Enright, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy, said: "Poor air quality in our beloved city is a major concern, and alongside the climate emergency this means we need to act. The Oxford Zero Emission Zone pilot is an important step in tackling these problems, and will make our city centre a cleaner, healthier and more attractive place to live, work, visit and shop. It will also mean there is more space for those on foot and bikes, as well as our vital bus and taxi services. 

"We will be working in coming months with residents and businesses to adapt to this change, and plan next steps to make Oxford a cleaner, lovelier and more sustainable city, fit for the future."

Under the ZEZ pilot, those who drive polluting vehicles into the zone will be charged, with the level of the charge dependent on how polluting the vehicle is. Under the scheme, zero emission vehicles will not be charged to drive in the zone.

The daily charges will be:

• Zero-emission vehicles (0g/km CO₂): £0
• Ultra-low emission vehicles (less than 75g/km CO₂): £2 per day from February 2022, rising to £4 per day from August 2025.
• Clean Air Zone compliant or Low emission vehicles: £4 per day from February 2022, rising to £8 per day from August 2025.
• Motorcycles and mopeds: £2 per day from February 2022, rising to £4 per day from August 2025
• Vehicles not meeting the above standards: £10 per day from February 2022, rising to £20 from August 2025.

The ZEZ pilot will work in a similar way to the London Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone. Signs will be installed around the perimeter of the zone and on routes leading to it to notify drivers of the ZEZ pilot. Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will be used to enforce the zone.

The ZEZ pilot will allow both councils to gain useful experience and information before introducing a larger Zero Emission Zone covering most of Oxford city centre, subject to further public consultation.

A range of exemptions and discounts are available, including for businesses and residents in the zone, and some other vehicle users.

Businesses, residents, and visitors are encouraged to visit the Zero Emission Zone website to understand how the scheme will affect them and to find out more about the daily charges.

The registration process to apply for discounts will open at least six weeks before the start of the ZEZ pilot.

Since the scheme’s approval in March 2021, both councils have been working on preparations for the ZEZ pilot, which includes preparing innovative enforcement systems, as well as working with businesses and residents to support the launch of the scheme.

This work has included, trialling e-cargo bikes to Oxford’s Covered Market, updating the Lord Mayor’s car to a Nissan Leaf, installing rapid electric charging points for taxis and residents, the start of cable route works for UK’s largest public electric vehicle charging hub at Redbridge Park and Ride.

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The county council has just submitted a bold funding bid for a third round of the government's Active Travel Grant to help the county’s transport infrastructure recover from the pandemic and offer real quality of life benefits for active, healthy communities.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Highways Management at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our council has deliberately put forward an incredibly bold bid for active travel schemes for the county that aim to transform lives and our local environment.”

“The scale of the bid means these schemes should benefit the county for the long term; they will allow further upgrades to our county cycle infrastructure and allow us to produce desperately needed holistic plans that will make safe cycling and walking an option for many more residents." 

"We know that government recognises the need to shift our dependence away from single occupancy motor vehicles and I sincerely hope that they are willing to match our ambition so that we can help them realise that change on the ground here in Oxfordshire.”

The main goals are:

• To provide services that enhance the quality of life and take action to reduce the impact of climate change and protect the local environment.

• To tackle inequality, help people live safe and healthy lives and enable everyone to play an active part in their community.

• To deliver schemes already set out in the area-based Local Cycle and Walking Infrastructure Plans.

Three main parts to the bid will be based on developing cycling and walking schemes and an officer-led study for a longer-term Dutch-style cycle-friendly zones for the county. Shortlisted local authorities who submit an expression of interest for the Dutch-style cycle-friendly zones study will receive up £100,000 in additional funding.

The council will be expected to develop plans for cycling and walking schemes a year, four years and ten years ahead. It will also include a plan for a GP prescribing pilot for individual exercise using the new, active travel areas as part of a health plan for residents.

To underline the council’s ambitions and reflect the full scale of investment needed to make a difference to communities, this bid has been put forward for significantly more than the previous allocations in the first two rounds.

This also underlines the scale of the ambition of the county. The bid includes an emerging pipeline of over 169 countywide active travel infrastructure projects worth £500 million that the county council has identified as priorities over the coming years. Some of these are aimed specifically at this bid with others being funded by different means. The list underlines the county’s ambitions and commitment to an active travel transformation in how we make journeys.

This bid is ambitious around key strategic routes to Oxford. These include routes from Eynsham to two area of Botley and Kidlington to Oxford. The funding will set the foundations for future delivery along with delivering investment across parts of the county in a series of other infrastructure schemes including in Berinsfield, Witney, Bicester, Abingdon and Banbury.

The county council welcomes the opportunity to work with Oxfordshire’s active travel interest groups in further developing the future pipeline of active travel schemes and those successful schemes leading up to public engagement and consultation on schemes that could be funded by the bid submitted on 9 August. The government will require local authorities to spend the funding by March 2023.

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It would mean that up to 166 brand new electric buses could be introduced. If Oxford is successful in winning the requested funding, the electric buses would operate in an area stretching from Kidlington in the north to Sandford in the south, and from Cumnor in the west to Wheatley in the east. More than £78 million could be invested in the local public transport network should the bid for funding make it through the final round of the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme.

Councillor Duncan Enright, Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy, said: “I’m thrilled with this fantastic news. We’ve demonstrated that Oxford is fully committed to becoming even cleaner and greener, and that we have the partnerships ready to move quickly to a cleaner future with electric buses. Along with growth in electric vehicles, our electric demand responsive bus service and all the work we’re doing with sustainable energy, we’re well on the way to a carbon neutral future.”

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While case numbers in young people in Oxford City have fallen back since the peaks in early July, which put the city among the top ten in the county, cases in the over 30s and rates across the rest of the county are rising rapidly. The current weekly rate for Oxfordshire stands at 369.5 per 100,000 population, which is a 31 per cent increase on last week.

Oxford remains a government enhanced response area. Anyone living, working or visiting the city can get a free PCR test at one of five walk-in locations across the city. These will be available until at least 4 August. 

Additional bookable testing slots are being made available in the rest of the county. If you have any symptoms and live outside Oxford City, book a PCR test using the national booking system.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “Understandably the local headlines have focused on Oxford, where rises were particularly steep earlier in the summer. However, we have been keeping a wary eye on the whole of the county having seen how Oxford’s cases jumped so quickly in a short space of time in late June and early July. The county has been catching the city up – and we advise people in all of our market towns and villages to adjust their judgements on COVID risks accordingly.

“We know that the lesson of the pandemic so far is that COVID is a formidable opponent. If we put ourselves in vulnerable positions, the virus will exploit this. The fewer people we are in close contact with as we go about our daily lives, the less chance we have of contracting COVID.

“The number of cases nationally is having less of an impact in terms of hospitalisations and deaths during this wave, but we still need to be aware of the impact on the NHS as cases continue to rise.

“Clearly the national rules have changed, but we would encourage people to have high levels of awareness of the dangers of COVID. We urge everyone to play it safe and continue to do the things that give us higher levels of protection from the virus. Wear a face covering in enclosed or crowded spaces, such as on public transport or in shops. Wash your hands regularly, socialise outdoors if you can, maintain space between yourself and others, and ventilate rooms while you are indoors.

“We know that ever-increasing numbers of people have been double or single vaccinated and, as each day goes by, our protection as a society becomes more solid as a result of this. We continue to encourage people to come forward for their first and second jabs if they are due and eligible.

“We also encourage people to get tested regularly - especially if you are showing symptoms. Testing gives you the personal assurance that you are not carrying the virus and won’t pass it on to others. This then helps stop the spread across the county as a whole.”

Current case rates in Oxfordshire

• Cherwell on May 28 was 8.6 per 100,000 and on July 16 was 318.9 per 100,000
• Oxford on May 28 was 26.2 per 100,000 and on July 16 was 379.8 per 100,000
• South Oxfordshire on May 28 was 28.9 per 100,000 and on July 16 was 363.2 per 100,000
• Vale of White Horse on May 28 was 27.2 per 100,000 and on July 16 was 378.7 per 100,000
• West Oxfordshire on May 28 was 13.6 per 100,000 and on July 16 was 421.2 per 100,000

Testing options for people in Oxford

Oxford remains a national enhanced response area after large rises in cases in early July. Testing options for people in the city are listed below.

The mobile testing units are open for business 10am - 8pm (no appointment is needed):

The venues are:

• South Park (St Clement’s end)
• The Blavatnik School of Government, Walton Street (on the right hand side of the front of the building)
• Manzil Way Gardens, Cowley Road.
• Headington carpark, Old High Street (behind Waitrose)
• Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre carpark, Pegasus Road (behind the leisure centre adjacent to the football pitch)

The testing centres at Oxford Brookes University and Osney Lane are also open every day 8am - 8pm, including for those without symptoms, but people need to book an appointment on gov.uk

Arrangements outside Oxford City

With rates continuing to go up across the rest of the county, people are asked to continue with twice-weekly rapid lateral flow testing and, if they have any symptoms, book a PCR test.

There are five PCR testing centres open seven days a week:

• Oxford Parkway, near Kidlington (OX2 8HA) – drive-through
• Woodgreen Leisure Centre, Banbury (OX16 0HS)
• Osney Lane, Oxford (OX1 1NY)
• Oxford Brookes University (OX3 0BP)
• Woodford Way Carpark, Witney (OX28 6JS)

Additional mobile testing units are being deployed in various locations across the county.

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Since its launch in February in Headington, the e-scooter trial by Oxfordshire County Council and partner Voi Technology has proved an overwhelming success. Over 9400 unique users have signed up to use the app-enabled scooters for zero-emission journeys as part of a big investment the council has made in the active travel infrastructure thanks to the Department for Transport’s £2.9 million grant.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Highway Management at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our electric scooter trial in Oxford with Voi has brought us an exciting opportunity to explore alternative and green transport options for our communities. As a county council, we have set out our continued commitment to addressing climate change and transport innovation is a key part of that. To date, the trial has been a great success with our residents. With the expansion of the trial, many more can now benefit from rapid, green, low cost transport as the city recovers.”

Jack Samler, General Manager at Voi UK and Ireland, said: “Since the trial launched in Oxford, over 22,000 rides were taken with Voi scooters in Headington, replacing an estimated 8,950 short car trips. We are delighted to continue to work closely with Oxfordshire County Council to expand our trial into other areas of the city ensuring more people can adopt this safe, fun and environmentally-friendly mode of transport, ditching short car trips, and creating a healthier and better city for all.”

The trial supports a change in how residents can travel, from private vehicles to zero emission forms including cycling, walking and e-scooters and offers a real option for low cost and socially distanced transport, particularly as the pandemic recovery gains pace.

The expansion of the trial will cover an area of the city in the east, including Marston, Cowley, Hinksey, Iffley, Rose Hill, Barton and Florence Park, with the number of scooters set to increase incrementally from 120 to 200.

Rental scooters can use roads and cycle lanes within the trial area but are illegal to use on pavements. The scooters are also tracked by GPS and regularly serviced. In addition, there will be further slow riding, no riding and mandatory parking areas in the expanded trial area to ensure the safety of riders and other road users.

Recently Voi introduced the ‘end of ride photo’ feature which requires users to take a photo of their parked scooter at the end of each ride. Riders who leave e-scooters parked in a way that is obstructing the pavement and causing an obstacle to pedestrians, strollers or wheelchairs, will receive an email with a warning and an educational message. After the first warning, riders who park their vehicles incorrectly will receive a £25 fine.

E-scooter users must be over 18 and hold a provisional or full driving licence. To ride a scooter, users can download the Voi app, available for free on Apple App Store or Google Play and present a valid driving licence. It costs £1 to unlock the scooter and then 20p per minute of the ride. Voi also offers several subscriptions that allow users to take an unlimited number of rides at a fixed rate. The subscriptions can be purchased in the app.

Voi offers special rates for students and those on low incomes and is currently offering free rides to NHS and emergency service staff under the Voi 4 Heroes scheme, which has so far given over 4,580 free rides to over 200 users in Oxford to date.

Voi continues to collaborate with Oxfordshire County Council to support rider education, amongst other things, by offering incentives and encouraging riders to take Voi’s accredited e-scooter digital traffic school which has trained over half a million users to be safe riders. Both partners also ask the public to report any via Voi’s report a scooter page. Voi has a strict three strike policy and reported riders will receive temporary or permanent bans from the service.

At the council’s June Cabinet meeting, officers will recommend the submission of an expression of interest in the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, in support of the government’s Road to Zero Strategy for transition to zero emission transport by 2050.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “This bid marks a step-change in our aspirations. The new alliance now leading the council recognises that zero-emission buses are an essential part of meeting our climate goals. We must also cut air pollution, reduce noise and provide more frequent reliable bus services. This ambitious submission to the government's funding competition does all of that. It is an unequivocal demonstration of our commitment and shows that we are prepared to take radical steps to get us there.”

Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, said: “This project represents a major investment by bus operators and demonstrates our long-term commitment to continuing to improve air quality in our city, in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council. There is a lot to do to ensure delivery, including gaining confirmation of the additional government funding, and introducing a number of the bus priority schemes in Connecting Oxford to overcome congestion and ensure buses can be fully effective.”

Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director for Stagecoach West, said: “Buses will play a key role in the country’s green recovery and supporting the delivery of cleaner air in Oxford.

“There is a huge opportunity ahead to reduce carbon emissions from transport by moving people out of cars and onto buses. Investment in electric buses, which is an exciting step forward for the city, alongside practical measures to give buses more priority on the road can all help to encourage more people onto sustainable public transport and support the ambition for a cleaner Oxford.”

Up to £120 million is being made available by the government through the scheme, which will allow local transport authorities to bid for funding to purchase zero-emission buses, reduce the carbon emissions from local public transport and improve air quality in towns and cities. The funding will deliver up to 500 zero-emission buses across the country, supporting the government’s wider commitment to introduce 4,000 zero-emission buses.

Under the proposals being prepared for an Oxfordshire bid, an area across Oxford city and the surrounding area would be covered by the electric fleet from Kidlington in the north to Sandford-on-Thames in the south, and from Cumnor in the west to Wheatley in the east.

The ambitious proposals would cost potentially £78.3 million in total, with around £41m coming from the city’s two main bus operators (Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach), £31.68m from the government, and up to £6m from the county council.

The announcement comes at a time when both city and county councils are set to implement a Zero Emission Zone this August in the city centre. The support offered by this bid would be a significant boost to helping reduce emissions from public transport and improving services for passengers.

Cabinet will be asked to approve the submission of an expression of interest for the scheme and agree funding of up to £6m in 2022/23 towards the scheme when it meets later this month.