Oxfordshire County Council will fund the installation and initial maintenance costs of the cameras, which will detect vehicles travelling over the 50mph speed limit and identify vehicles jumping a red light in both directions. Thames Valley Police will be responsible for their ownership and operation.

The measures are in response to several collisions and near-misses since the junction to the Barton Park development opened, and follow concerns raised by residents and councillors.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This will be extremely welcome news to everyone who lives in or visits this area and needs to cross this road. Excessive speeds and red-light jumping are genuine concerns at this location, with a video survey showing how widespread the problem is.

“We are delighted at this example of working in partnership with our colleagues at Thames Valley Police to put in a deterrent, which will make this road safer. Motorists who follow the rules will have nothing to fear. Those show disregard for others’ safety by breaking them will face the consequences.”

Chief Inspector Jade Hewitt, of Thames Valley Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Road safety remains a priority for Thames Valley Police, and we welcome the installation of these safety cameras at the Barton Park junction. We are aware of concerns regarding speeding and red-light offences at this location, and the evidence gathered has demonstrated the need for further enforcement measures.

“The cameras will act as both a deterrent and an enforcement tool, encouraging motorists to comply with the speed limit and traffic signals, helping to reduce the risk of serious collisions. Speeding remains one of the Fatal Five factors that contribute to the most serious and fatal collisions on our roads, alongside drink and drug driving, distraction, not wearing a seatbelt and careless driving.

“Most drivers use our roads responsibly, but those who choose to ignore the law and put others at risk should expect to be held accountable.

“We are pleased to be working alongside Oxfordshire County Council as part of our shared commitment to improving road safety and protecting all road users across Oxfordshire.”

The funding is coming from the council’s Vision Zero programme, its ambition to eliminate death and serious injuries from road collisions in Oxfordshire by 2050.

The poles and cameras will be painted bright yellow to be as visible as possible to drivers, and advance warning signage has been approved by Thames Valley Police.

Installation work is scheduled to take place overnight, from 8pm - 6am, for up to four nights from Monday 20 July.

Traffic management will be in place, including lane closures when necessary to allow for safe working. The eastbound left-turn into Barton Park will be closed at times, and a diversion via the Headington roundabout will be in operation.

Residents are warned that some of the excavation work will be noisy, as vacuum excavation techniques are necessary due the presence of underground gas and electricity utilities.

Another recent addition to improve road safety in the area was the installation of flashing amber light warning signs either side of Barton Park Primary School.

This was also funded through the council’s Vision Zero programme and warns drivers of the likely presence of children crossing the road at school start and finish times.

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Since 2025, Oxfordshire County Council has been reviewing speed limits and safety on its network as part of its Vision Zero programme to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the network.

The review looks at whether existing speed limits are appropriate, using evidence such as collision data, road layout and how routes are used.

This has led to speed limit reductions on some stretches of road, including lowering national speed limit sections to 50mph or 40mph, alongside other measures such as junction changes or traffic management where risks have been identified.

The aim is to make rural roads safer for all users, recognising that many routes are narrow, winding and shared by drivers, cyclists, walkers, and horse riders.

Provisional government statistics published in late May suggest that the council’s approach is helping lead to significant improvements in road safety, with serious and fatal collisions in Oxfordshire falling sharply.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This review is all about reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The premise that no one should be killed or seriously injured as the result of a road collision, whatever mode of transport they are using, is at the heart of our Vision Zero strategy.

“Making sure speed limits are safe and appropriate is key to achieving this. Oxfordshire’s last major A and B road speed limit review was carried out 15 years ago, so this review is much needed.

“While it was heartening to see that Oxfordshire is seeing significant improvements in road safety, according to recent provisional government data, we are far from complacent. Every death is one too many. Indeed, it has strengthened our resolve to push on and make conditions safer on more of our rural roads.”

So far, the review has led to changes being approved on stretches of the A4074, A40, A420 and A417, as well as corridors such as the A4260 and associated B roads. Additionally, a consultation on changes on the A361 has been completed with a decision to be taken in July on whether to progress these.  

Now around 60 more schemes are coming forward in 2026-27 as part of the Vision Zero programme.

Stakeholder consultation will begin later this month including with parish and town councils, Thames Valley Police, and bus operators. This will be followed by statutory consultation later in the year, where the public will be invited to have their say.

Cllr Epps added: “It is important for people to realise that the review is not about introducing blanket changes across the county. This is a bespoke approach. Proposals are assessed case by case, consulted on publicly, and monitored once implemented to ensure they are effective.

“The review is a data-led reassessment of safety and speed on Oxfordshire’s main rural routes. Officers are using current Department for Transport criteria on speed limits to guide the changes to be considered.”

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Newly published provisional government statistics suggest that Oxfordshire is seeing significant improvements in road safety, with serious and fatal collisions falling sharply while the wider Thames Valley area has seen increases.

The Department for Transport published its provisional personal injury collision and casualty statistics for Great Britain on 28 May 2026. While the figures remain provisional and may be revised as additional data is confirmed, the early trends are encouraging for Oxfordshire.

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

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

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

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “While these figures are still provisional, the early signs are extremely encouraging. Oxfordshire appears to be bucking the wider Thames Valley trend, with serious and fatal casualties falling significantly at a time when neighbouring areas are seeing increases.

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

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

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

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “The reduction in people killed or seriously injured on Oxfordshire’s roads is hugely important. Behind every statistic is a real person, a family and a community affected by road collisions.

“Although these figures are provisional, they provide further evidence that our safety measures, including 20mph schemes and wider traffic calming initiatives, are having a positive effect.

“We know there is still much more to do, but this should give communities confidence that the decisions we have taken are the right ones.”

The Oxfordshire County Council project will create a more welcoming public realm that encourages more people to visit and spend time in the town centre, makes walking, wheeling and cycling easier and more pleasant for everyone, and complements the town’s history and character. It supports the existing traffic arrangement on Witney High Street and Market Square.

The scheme will provide:  

• new seating areas, trees and planting
• resurfacing of approximately 2,000m2 of existing footways and creating over 1,000m2 of new footway space
• 10 marked disabled persons’ parking places
• flexible loading arrangements for businesses in the town centre
• a new, additional bus stop for community transport. Taxi access will be permitted in the shared space after 5pm on weekdays and after 2pm on Saturdays, with a 16-metre taxi bay provided at all times.
• a new traffic priority arrangement for the High Street/Welch Way junction including a central island to support cyclists making right turns. This will help to make road users' intentions clearer at the junction, making it safer. 

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “The Witney High Street project makes effective use of the town centre space to accommodate multiple users. It has developed over a long period of time, with several rounds of consultation and construction is due to start in May.”

Construction is due to start in early May 2026 and be completed in November 2026. The works will be undertaken in phases, starting on the western side of the street, with traffic movements restricted to southbound only during this phase.

Works will then then switch to the eastern side of the street when traffic will only be permitted northbound on the High Street and Market Square between the Corn Street and Welch Way junctions. 

Safe pedestrian and wheelchair/mobility-aided access as well as access to the shops, food outlets and businesses will be maintained throughout the works.  

While bus stop and taxi rank locations will be maintained when possible, during some phases of the works, bus stops will need to be relocated to Langdale Gate and Welch Way, with the taxi rank temporarily relocated outside The Angel Inn on Market Square. 

There may be short periods where some loading and disabled persons' parking places on the High Street and by the Market Square may not be available. Appropriate areas for loading during each phase of the works will be communicated to businesses with regular updates provided. 

Shoppers can continue to park in the Woolgate car park near the Market Square and in Marriott's Walk. A site compound for the works will be set up in Zone G of the Woolgate car park, with long stay parking bays relocated to adjacent areas of the car park. 

The final phase will be the installation of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to help reduce the number of non-exempt motor vehicles going through the restrictions on the High Street and Market Square.

The council is hosting a drop-in information event where members of the public can view the final designs for the project and learn about the construction programme. This will take place on Wednesday 29 April, 2pm - 7pm, at the Witney Corn Exchange.

Background information on the project and plans showing the relocation of services during the works is available on the council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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After launching its 20mph programme in 2022, Oxfordshire County Council has been working with parish and town councils around the county to bring in lower limits in places where parish and town councils request them.

To celebrate the latest milestone, and support these schemes, the council has joined forces with the national 20’s Plenty for Us campaign group to give out free wheelie bin stickers to Oxfordshire residents who want to support their local 20mph scheme.

To apply for stickers, people can visit  the 20’s Plenty webpage. Each household can apply for up to 10 stickers to get the message across that 20mph is plenty in residential areas.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This is an incredible landmark and I want to thank all the parish and town councils who have been in touch with us, asking to make their residential streets safer and more pleasant places.

“Residents can now can visibly demonstrate their support by putting these stickers on their wheelie bins, to remind drivers that 20mph should be the norm in areas where people live.

“Throughout the delivery of this programme we have been clear about the advantages it brings. You are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph than if you are hit at 30mph.

“Reducing speeds in residential areas is a vital pillar of our commitment to Vision Zero – our ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from road traffic collisions in Oxfordshire by 2050.”

Another ten 20mph schemes are waiting to be implemented, which will take the total to 285.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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At a meeting today, Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, approved the projects which are all part of the authority’s Vision Zero programme. Its ambition is to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the county’s roads by 2050.

The schemes affect the A4074 corridor between Oxford and Caversham, the A40 at Barnard Gate near Eynsham, the A40 at Holton/Wheatley, and the Welch Way roundabout in Witney.

Cllr Gant said: “Vision Zero starts with a simple premise that no one should be killed or seriously injured as the result of a road collision, whatever mode of transport they are using.

“Designing roads and streets that are safe is one of the key strands to this policy, along with education, behaviour change, responses to collisions and safe speeds.

“We believe these measures approved today will help improve safety at sites where problems have been identified. However, as with all projects, we will monitor the results and make changes as required.

“More Vision Zero schemes are in the pipeline, as we continue to work with partners, stakeholders and the public, and I look forward to seeing them come forward on future agendas for decisions to be made.”

The A4074 corridor will see some speed limits reduced to 40mph and 50mph; no right turn restrictions will be introduced on the A40 a Barnard Gate on an experimental basis; a central reservation gap on the A40 London Road at Holton/Wheatley will be closed; and a raised parallel crossing will be installed at Welch Way, Witney.

The changes to the A4074 corridor are part of the council’s review of speed limits on all A and B roads in the county which it has responsibility for.

The Vision Zero strategy and action plan, which was adopted in 2024, aims to ensure the highway network is safely designed, implemented and maintained with the safety of users at the heart of all decision making.

The programme has a £4 million capital budget for measures delivered by 2026, plus £250,000 of revenue funding.

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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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Oxfordshire County Council and its principal highways contractor M Group will visit 36 sites to carry out essential resurfacing. Work started at the end of June and is scheduled to run until 17 October.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Resurfacing plays a vital role in maintaining the county’s road network and this shows our ongoing commitment to investing in the highway network, reducing the number of defects and improving people’s journeys.

“This programme will extend the life of roads by preventing water getting in, reducing the need for frequent repairs, enhancing skid resistance for safer travel, and smoothing out road surfaces for a more comfortable ride.”

Richard Lovewell, M Group’s Business Director, said: “We are proud to be working with Oxfordshire County Council to deliver a comprehensive package of surfacing programmes to improve the county’s road network.

“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we carry out these essential works to enhance the quality and safety of Oxfordshire’s roads.”

The programme includes three main types of resurfacing:

• Safety schemes targeting accident prone areas to improve skid resistance.
• Surface inlay work where the road surface has deteriorated but the foundations remain sound. This involves removing and replacing defective layers.
• Structural maintenance, which is more intensive reconstruction for severely damaged roads.

In total, the work will cover over 111,000 square metres of road surface, using nearly 22,000 tonnes of material, with treatment depths ranging from 40mm to 250mm.

Disruption will be kept to a minimum, with work requiring road closures taking place at night wherever possible. However, disruption is likely at some sites where more intensive reconstruction for severely damaged roads is taking place.

The programme will affect some of the county’s A-roads, including:

• A40 Milton Common (July 14-August 22)
• A40 Swinbrook Road/Burford Road (July 29 – August 18)
• B4495 Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford (August 4-5 September)
• B4437 Charlbury (August 5-12)
• A361 Shipton under Wychwood, from Plum Lane to Dog Kennel Lane (August 7-13)
• A361 The Hill, Burford (August 8-20)
• B4044 Eynsham Road, Botley, Oxford (August 11-September 15)
• A420 Longcot (August 14-September 8)
• Tubney, A420 approach to A338 roundabout (August 21-23)
• A40 Witney eastbound bypass, Ducklington (August 25-27)
• Oxford Parkway park and ride surfacing (August 26-28)
• Wantage Road/Station Road, Wallingford (August 26-October 9).
• A40 Witney bypass, B4022 underpass (August 28-29)
• A4155 Reading Road, Henley (September 15-19)
• Banbury Road, Oxford, from St Margaret’s Road to South Park Road (September 18-October 9)
• A4155 Reading Road, Henley, from Station Road to Friday Street (October 8-15).

These dates include preliminary work which will usually take place under temporary traffic lights, ahead of the main surfacing work which will require road closures. All dates are subject to alteration due to the weather.

Motorists are asked to observe the diversion routes which will be in operation while the work takes place.

Updated details about the programme, including a map showing where and when the work will be taking place, is available on the council’s website. However, the programme will be subject to alterations depending on the weather.

The latest resurfacing work follows the council’s surface dressing road maintenance programme, most of which was completed between April and June.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Saturday 5 July 2025 – 10am - 4pm

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

• Wednesday 9 July 2025 – 5pm - 8pm

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

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

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As part of Oxfordshire County Council's safer routes to school programme, the raised zebra crossing, speed humps, side road entry treatments and footway widening were completed this week at Sandy Lane West in Littlemore.

The zebra crossing allows pedestrians coming from both directions along Sandy Lane West to access St John Fisher Catholic Primary School.

Paul Higgins, headteacher of St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, said: “We have been petitioning for a crossing at St John Fisher for decades, and I made it my top priority when joining the school.

“This crossing will improve the lives of our children, and the children of Blackbird Leys and Littlemore for generations to come. We are proud to lead on improvements for our community and delighted to have seen this crossing open.”

The £400,000 scheme was funded through the council’s Vision Zero programme, a package of initiatives aimed at eliminating deaths and serious injuries on Oxfordshire’s roads by 2050.

Road humps on both sides of the crossing will reduce vehicle speeds and increase awareness of the crossing point. Visibility has also been improved by the removal of the hedge in front of the school, although a replacement hedge will be planted on the school grounds at a later date.

Side road entry treatments on three side roads will enhance pedestrian safety along the southern footway that is used extensively by pupils at both St John Fisher School and the Oxford Academy.

Paul Fermer, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Environment and Highways, said: “Everyone should be able to walk to their destination safely, especially children travelling to school, so we are pleased that these safety measures are now in operation.

“We hope they will make a real difference to the confidence of pupils and parents at both St John Fisher Primary School and the Oxford Academy.”

The scheme was designed and delivered by Oxfordshire County Council’s principal highways maintenance contractor, M Group, which was previously known as Milestone Infrastructure.

Richard Lovewell, M Group business director for Oxfordshire, said: “Improving walking routes and providing safer routes to school is very important to M Group and we’re proud to support Oxfordshire County Council’s Vision Zero programme.

“Our teams worked closely with Oxfordshire County Council, ODS and St John Fisher School to design and deliver a comprehensive solution so improve safety on this busy road, including speed humps, footpath widening and a zebra crossing.”

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Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS), the University of Oxford and Thames Valley Police (TVP) are teaming up to hold the Vision Zero safety event in Broad Street on Monday 4 November from 10am - 7pm.

Visitors will be able to explore a range of stalls offering safety advice and information, aimed at helping to protect the most vulnerable road users. Once darkness starts to fall, OFRS and TVP will carry out their ‘Be Bright Be Seen’ operations, educating cyclists putting themselves and others at risk by riding without lights.

Andy Ford, Road Safety Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “There are many reasons why cyclists and pedestrians can become involved in road collisions. However, by ensuring they have lights, and wear bright clothing, we can easily improve their visibility to other road users and reduce the risk they will be hit by drivers.”

The Be Bright Be Seen campaign stand will be open throughout the event, offering free bike lights and hi-viz clothing, 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.

Cycling campaign group Cyclox will be there, as well as an HGV, supplied by Huws Gray, to help people to understand where blind spots occur in the cab.

There will also be innovative cycle safety systems on display, such as the FHOSS cycle lane and the Oxford Robotics Institute RobotBike which is carrying out trials in Oxford to monitor safety in overtaking cyclists, as well as information about cycle training.

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

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

The University of Oxford will be providing a mobile mechanic from 10am - 4pm to carry out cycle safety checks and minor repairs for all visitors on a first come first served basis. The service is free, but users will have to pay for any parts.

Dr David Prout, Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Oxford, said: “The cyclists, scooter users and pedestrians being hurt on the roads are our friends, colleagues, students and family members; every death or injury is a tragedy that could and should have been prevented.

“Our goal is streets that are truly safe for everyone, and to reach it we need the whole community to work together, from individuals and families to the councils, universities and emergency services. We hope this event makes a real difference to keeping people out of harm's way, no matter how they choose to get around Oxford.”

Sergeant Pete Neale of the Oxford Central Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Thames Valley Police, in partnership with our local agencies, is dedicated to making bike safety more accessible and promoting safer riding habits in our community.

“Officers from the Neighbourhood Team will be present at the event to educate cyclists on best practices for safe riding. Additionally, we’ll be offering advice and providing security equipment to help protect bikes and reduce the risk of theft.”

The Broad Street event comes shortly after the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, published a road safety strategy to reduce deaths on the roads in the region, including Oxfordshire.

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The automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera will be used to fine motor vehicles making the prohibited manoeuvre.

Despite the existing restriction, many motorists are still turning left, which increases road safety risks to other vehicles and road users.

Cyclists will continue to be permitted to make this left turn.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management said: “This is an extra measure to help improve safety at The Plain for all road users, especially the most vulnerable such as pedestrians and cyclists.

“This is a very busy roundabout and the banned left turn is a road safety hazard, which increases the risks for all road users. There was a good deal of support for the installation of a camera to deter this.”

Motor vehicles will continue to be required to drive around The Plain and then take the Iffley Road exit.

Motorists who contravene the restriction will receive a £70 penalty charge notice, discounted to £35 if paid within 21 days.

The camera is being funded by the council’s Vision Zero programme, set up to reduce road safety incidents and eliminate deaths and serious injuries from road traffic collisions across Oxfordshire by 2050.

The decision to install the ANPR camera was made by Cllr Gant in October 2023.

Safety measures at The Plain were prompted by the death of a cyclist in March 2022, which led to improvements in November 2022 as well as loading restrictions in 2023.

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More than 200 requests to reduce speed limits to 20mph in towns and villages have now been approved in Oxfordshire.

Yesterday, 25 applications were given the go ahead by Oxfordshire County Council, including ones in the towns of Banbury, Thame and Wallingford. It takes the total number of approved 20mph schemes in the county to 214 since the project began in 2022.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This is an incredible landmark and I want to thank all the communities who have been in touch with us, asking to make their residential streets safer and more pleasant places.

“Throughout the delivery of this programme we have been clear about the advantages it brings. You are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph than if you are hit at 30mph.

“Reducing speeds in residential areas is a vital pillar of our commitment to Vision Zero – our ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from road traffic collisions in Oxfordshire by 2050.”

The latest areas to have their applications approved by Cllr Gant at a decision-making meeting also included Appleford, Appleton with Eaton, Berinsfield, Brize Meadow, Buscot and Buscot Wick, Chadlington, Culham, Ducklington, East Hagbourne, Fernham, Freeland, Fyfield and Tubney, Horley, Kelmscott, Little Wittenham, Middleton Stoney, Northmoor, Shipton-on-Cherwell, Souldern, Sibford Gower, Tiddington and West Hendred.

Decisions on more than 30 other applications are set to be made in the future.

Unlike the approach taken in Wales, where the 30mph limit was changed by default to 20mph in built-up areas, the Oxfordshire rollout has been led by residents in the towns and villages and each scheme has been tailored to local needs.

In fact, the Welsh approach has now been revised and is much closer to Oxfordshire’s, with much greater local input from councils into whether, and how, speed limits should be changed.

To be eligible for 20mph in Oxfordshire, an application must initially be supported by each affected town or parish council and the local county councillor.

A public consultation then takes place, with opportunities for people to influence the design and the adoption of the scheme within the constraints of the approved 20mph policy and guidance.

Once the remaining schemes are implemented across the county, a period of monitoring and evaluation will take place to assess the effectiveness of the measures, and any locations where further intervention may be beneficial to ensure the outcomes of the project are achieved.

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The Oxfordshire County Council project will provide:

• pedestrian crossings and junction safety improvements along the route;
• an off-road cycle path on Woodstock Road between Frenchay Road and St. Margaret’s Road;
• a zebra crossing on Woodstock Road near Bevington Road; and
• a reversal in direction of the bus lane (southbound to northbound) between Squitchey Lane and Wolvercote Roundabout under an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO). 

Image shows: an example of side road safety improvements

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy said: “I am pleased to see the improvements on Woodstock Road progressing. Safer crossings, better cycleways and improved bus journey times are part of our commitment to give people genuine options to use sustainable ways of travelling on one of the major roads in the city.”

The works are carefully phased to minimise disruption. Residents and businesses are being informed by letter two weeks before the start of the work on the junction that would affect them, with details about traffic management, diversion route (if needed) and expected duration of the work. 

The first side street junctions to be worked on are Field House Drive, St Margarets Road West and Bevington Road, with work starting on Monday 12 August and expected to continue for five to seven weeks, depending on location. The duration of the work is indicative and may change due to weather conditions and other factors such as utilities. 

The bus lane reversal is scheduled to start on 2 September and expected to take approximately six weeks. The measure has been informed by initial modelling for the planned traffic filters trial and is fully supported by local bus operators. The reversal will be implemented as a trial under an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO), and there will be a six-month consultation once the trial begins. 

This major route in Oxford is expected to benefit significantly from the more pedestrian friendly design and improvements to road safety and bus journey times. The changes along Woodstock Road are informed by the county council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan and aim to:

• increase walking, wheeling and cycling;
• make walking and cycling safer;
• improve public transport journey times;
• enhance public space; and
• help residents and employees travel in and out of the city more sustainably.

More information about Woodstock Road Sustainable Travel Improvements, including an indicative timeline of the works, is available on  oxfordshire.gov.uk/woodstockroad

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From today (8 May) until Wednesday 5 June, Oxfordshire County Council is asking for people’s views on the Woodstock Road Sustainable Travel Improvements Scheme.

The council is proposing changing the travel direction of an existing bus lane, as well as a number of active travel improvements to help improve bus journey reliability and make the road safer for everyone using it.

The feedback gathered will help inform a county council cabinet decision on whether to approve the work.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “I encourage people to look at the proposals and help us understand the impact they’ll have. There is a clear link between active travel and improved physical and mental health. Children who walk or cycle to school will be healthier, have a more active social life, do better in the classroom and live longer. Sitting in a traffic jam harms everyone, inside and outside the car.

“Woodstock Road is used by many people travelling by bus, bike and on foot or with mobility aids, both from within Oxford and travelling to and from other areas. By investing now and providing space and facilities for making journeys other than travelling by car, we can better manage traffic in the coming years with planned growth and housing.”

The proposals cover the area between St Giles in Oxford city centre and the Wolvercote Roundabout (A40). The proposals are designed to work with other measures to improve and encourage journeys made by walking or wheeling, cycling and public transport.  

The project has two phases. Phase one involves a bus lane change, which proposes to remove part of the 24-hour southbound bus lane between Wolvercote (A40) and Squitchey Lane and replace it with a like-for-like northbound bus lane on the other side.

Phase two is focused on the southern end of the Woodstock Road and covers a series of active travel (cycling, walking and wheeling) priority measures for the Woodstock Road including:

• New and improved side road crossings.
• An extension of the shared use, off-road cycle path on the western side of Woodstock Road.
• The installation of solar studs along cycle lanes throughout Woodstock Road to improve visibility.
• A new zebra crossing on Woodstock Road between Observatory Street and Bevington Road.
• Localised sections of improvements to the condition of footway/off-road segregated cycle lanes.
• Various road marking amendments.
• A new full time bus stop clearway on the east side of the Woodstock Road.
• The relocation of a marked parking bay outside Belsyre Court.

People can take part in an online survey on the county council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s Talk Oxfordshire. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday 5 June 2024.

Subject to approval by the council’s cabinet, the proposed works could start this summer.

The project is funded through the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet today approved the strategy and action plan entitled Oxfordshire – Safe Roads through Vision Zero to 2030.

The document builds on the council’s adoption of Vision Zero in 2022, a concept that originated in Sweden in the 1990s as a road safety approach. The ambition is to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Oxfordshire’s roads to zero by 2050, with targets of a 25 per cent reduction by 2026 and 50 per cent by 2030.

It also follows a public consultation on the proposed strategy, which received more than 1,300 responses.

Paul Fermer, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Highways and Operations, said: “The case for Vision Zero is clear. Between 2017 and 2021, a total of 128 people were killed on Oxfordshire roads, and a further 1,130 were seriously injured. This has a devastating impact on individuals and families, and on our communities in general.

“Vision Zero starts with a simple premise, that no human being should be killed or seriously injured as the result of a road collision, whatever mode of transport they are using.

“Although there has been a long-term downward trend in reported road collisions and injuries in Oxfordshire, recent figures show they are now on the increase. We need to take a zero tolerance attitude to having anyone else killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Each year, on Oxfordshire’s roads, there are:

• an estimated 30,000 collisions of all types;
• approximately 1,250 reported injury collisions; 
• approximately 30 deaths, 245 serious injuries and nearly 1,250 slight injuries reported.

The Vision Zero programme aims to ensure the highway network is safely designed, implemented and maintained with Vision Zero at the heart of all decision making. The programme has a £4 million capital budget for measures delivered by 2026, plus £250,000 of revenue funding.

Vision Zero focuses on a whole safe system approach, rooted in the belief that every death reflects a human failure in the system. This ensures that the programme is not just a technical solution but also encourages a behaviour change and cultural shift towards a more human-based approach to road safety.

This safe system approach encompasses five aspects; safe roads and roadsides; safe vehicles; safe speeds, such as the council’s 20mph programme; safe road users; and the post collision response, from the initial onsite first aid through to the analysis and reviews of road safety incidents.

Better use of road safety collision data will be vital in achieving Vision Zero. The council will look at near miss data to understand the flow of traffic at junctions and review the causes of slight incidents before they become a serious or fatal collision, as well as analysing actual collisions.

The data will be used for identifying collision hot spots, prioritising maintenance at these sites and improving road safety infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. It will also be used to identify road users’ behaviours and other road safety factors that contribute to collision hot spots. Enforcement, education or publicity activity can then be carried out to help reduce the risks.

Mr Fermer added: “We do not underestimate the challenges of implementing Vision Zero. It is a challenge that requires political and social commitment, including technical expertise across other councils and Thames Valley Police, and financial investment.”

Since Vision Zero was adopted – prompted by the deaths of two female cyclists in Oxford in the space of a few weeks in early 2022 – work has been carried out at The Plain roundabout in the city aimed at making it safer for vulnerable road users, including cyclists.

Work is also planned at many other sites around the county to tackle problems such as improving road safety at dangerous junctions, cycle safety, turning conflicts and to create safer routes to school.

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Councillor Andrew Gant, the council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, told TVPCC Matthew Barber that more action was needed after the number of people killed or seriously injured on Oxfordshire’s roads rose in 2022 – the first increase for many years.

Cllr Gant wrote: “The number of incidents we are currently experiencing is appalling, but we should use them as a prompt to address road crime and danger reduction – to address the causes of 57 deaths and 934 serious injuries in the Thames Valley Police area in 2022.

“Oxfordshire County Council has made a commitment to Vision Zero – the elimination of road deaths and serious injuries by 2050 – and is currently progressing with a strategy and associated action plan setting out how we plan to deliver this ambition.

“Across Oxfordshire we have seen a general trend in the rise of killed and seriously injured incidences, and recently some particular incidences with cyclist deaths and serious injury, along with single and multiple vehicle collisions.

“Thames Valley Police’s action on road safety appears to be behind what we see from other forces and are hearing from other local authorities. I appreciate the size and scale of TVP is greater than most, but we need to ensure this doesn’t prevent working at a local level and focus on road safety within Oxfordshire.

“We appreciate that resources are tight, but no action is much more expensive than action. Please take action against this rising wave of dangerous driving before we find even worse casualty impacts in 2024.”

Cllr Gant called for TVP to become more involved in promoting national road safety initiatives such as:

• Operation Snap, where the public can report and submit digital footage showing potential traffic offences via a secure online form.
• More frequent use of Operation Close Pass, where action is taken against drivers who endanger cyclists and horse riders by passing them too closely.
• Cycle and bus-based patrols to catch mobile phone use and illegal, fake or cloned number plates.

He also called on Mr Barber and TVP to recognise the benefits of 20mph limits around Oxfordshire, and to work with the council to implement average speed cameras, particularly on sections of the A34, A40, A420 and A4074.

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They were among 18 applications for 20mph limits to be approved by Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, Councillor Andrew Gant, on 14 December.

The others were Alvescot, Ardington & Lockinge, Backthorn, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Buckland, Toot Baldon & Marsh Baldon, Dorchester, Elsfield, Charney Bassett, Kingham, Longworth, Sandford St Martin, Upton, Stanton Harcourt, Yarnton, and the Green Lane area of Ewelme.

Cllr Gant said: “This is another landmark moment for our 20mph policy. We believe these changes will make these towns and villages safer, quieter and less polluted places and will encourage more people to cycle and walk – reducing the county’s carbon footprint.

“There is a clear link between the speed of traffic and the likelihood of accidents happening in which people are killed or injured. You are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph than if you are hit at 30mph.”

Plans have been approved or are being worked on to implement 20mph limits in about 234 of the 310 parishes in Oxfordshire over the £8 million project’s three year period. Other towns to have adopted 20mph limits already include Witney and Abingdon.

The scheme is free to town and parish councils, with the county council funding sign-only changes for areas wishing to be part of the changes as long as locations meet the agreed criteria for 20mph restrictions.

Town and parish councils will be expected to fund any traffic calming measures or speed activated signs that may be required to support the new limit in their areas.

While the council has been working alongside Thames Valley Police, the emphasis is on drivers adhering to the new limits through a change of mindset, rather than enforcement. It is hoped that as 20mph areas become more common, breaking the limit will become socially unacceptable for drivers.

The 20mph programme also fits in with the council’s Vision Zero policy, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from Oxfordshire’s roads by 2050.

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The camera will be used to fine motor vehicles using Cowley Road that make a prohibited left turn on to Iffley Road. Despite the existing restriction, many motor vehicles are still turning left.

Cyclists will continue to be permitted to make this left turn.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, approved the measure on Thursday, and said: “This will be an extra measure to help improve safety at The Plain for all road users, especially the most vulnerable such as pedestrians and cyclists.

“This is a very busy roundabout and the banned left turn is a road safety hazard, which increases the risks for all users. There is a good deal of support for the installation of a camera to deter this.”

The camera is being funded by the council’s Vision Zero programme, set up to try to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from road traffic collisions in Oxfordshire by 2050.

Changes to The Plain were prompted by the death of a cyclist in March 2022, which led to  safety improvements in November 2022 as well as loading restrictions brought in earlier this year.

Motor vehicles will continue to be required to drive around The Plain and then take the Iffley Road exit.

Motorists who contravene the restriction will receive a £70 penalty charge notice, discounted to £35 if paid within 21 days.

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Oxfordshire County Council has been inundated with requests for 20mph zones since it launched its 20mph programme in February 2022. The first two phases of the project were fully booked, although communities have a small window to apply to be part of the third and final delivery phase which takes place in 2024 - 25.

This week, eight more communities had their applications to bring in 20mph limits approved by the council.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, approved applications for these areas at a meeting on Thursday:

• Watchfield
• Towersey
• Nuneham Courtenay
• Newington
• Drayton (Abingdon)
• Littleworth
• Bloxham.

Approval was also granted for 20mph limits on the Deanfield Green residential estate in East Hagbourne as part of housing development works.

Nuneham Courtenay was approved with an agreement that council officers will work with bus operators to look at the impact on services.

Drayton was partially approved with 20mph limits coming in north of Kiln Lane only, but with a view to promoting a 20mph limit as part of the A4017 traffic calming measures in the future.

Cllr Gant said: “Out of about 310 parishes in Oxfordshire, only about 40 have failed to respond to our invitation to provide 20mph limits. So this is their last chance to get their applications in if they want to get involved.

“There is a clear link between the speed of traffic and the likelihood of accidents happening in which people are killed or injured. You are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph than if you are hit at 30mph.”

Applications for 20mph streets and roads need to be supported by the parish or town council and the relevant local county councillor. The closing date is 31 October 2023.

More information, including details about how to apply, is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

The scheme is free to town and parish councils, with the county council funding sign-only changes for areas wishing to be part of the changes as long as locations meet the agreed criteria for 20mph restrictions.

Town and parish councils will be expected to fund any traffic calming measures or speed activated signs that may be required to support the new limit in their areas.

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A peak hour loading ban between 7 - 10am and 4.30 - 7pm will be brought in to improve safety at the roundabout, particularly for the most vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Cycling groups had expressed concerns about vehicles loading on or near The Plain and blocking cycle lanes, causing serious danger.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “We know that any measures to improve safety and visibility at this busy roundabout will be welcomed by the thousands of people who use it every day.”

The plans seek to safeguard school transport services to encourage people not to use cars for the school run and to help provide safe, convenient alternatives.

The measures tie in to Oxfordshire County Council’s Vision Zero strategy, which aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads to zero by 2050.

The changes are also expected to reduce delays to buses.

Approval was given on 27 April at a delegated decisions meeting by Cllr Gant.

Council officers will also consult with residents, businesses and landlords in the area to investigate alternative arrangements for loading.

Work was carried out at The Plain last November to improve safety for cyclists. The changes included amendments to road markings and traffic signs, installation of road studs, bollards and cycle stands, and installing light cycle lane segregation units.

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It was one of seven communities to have applications for 20mph limits approved by Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management Councillor Andrew Gant and Council Leader Cllr Liz Leffman on 27 April.

The others were Cumnor, Faringdon, Forest Hill, Shrivenham, Steventon and Woodcote.

The latest decisions mean that in the 12 months since the first phase of the council’s £8 million project started:

• 208 communities have applied for 20mph limits
• 72 schemes have been approved
• 53 installations have been completed, including Witney.

The project is being carried out in three phases between 2022-25. Applications for this year are full, but communities can still apply to be included in the final 2024-25 phase.

Bill Cotton, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Environment and Place, said: “There is a clear link between the speed of traffic and the likelihood of accidents happening in which people are killed or injured. You are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph than if you are hit at 30mph.”

The scheme is free to town and parish councils, with the county council funding sign-only changes for areas wishing to be part of the changes as long as locations meet the agreed criteria for 20mph restrictions.

Town and parish councils will be expected to fund any traffic calming measures or speed-activated signs that may be required to support the new limit in their areas.

Applications for 20mph streets and roads need to be supported by the parish or town council and by the relevant local county councillor. More information, including details on how to apply, is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

While the council has been working alongside Thames Valley Police, the emphasis is on drivers adhering to the new limits through a change of mindset, rather than enforcement. It is hoped that as 20mph areas become more common, breaking the limit will become socially unacceptable for drivers.

The 20mph programme also fits in with the council’s Vision Zero policy, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from Oxfordshire’s roads by 2050.

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On 17 November, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, Councillor Andrew Gant, approved 11 new 20mph schemes across the county. The changes will see the majority of 30mph roads cut to 20mph.

Cllr Gant said: “The requests for these 20mph measures have come in thick and fast. The first two years of this three-year project are now fully booked, but we are still welcoming applications for 2024 - 25.

“Communities have been keen to make their roads safer and we are delighted to have been able to make it easier for them to do so.”

The latest locations to be approved are:

• Ambrosden
• Banbury (a new residential development on land west of A423 Southam Road)
• Bladon
• Brize Norton
• Clanfield
• Horton-cum-Studley
• Idbury
• Merton
• Piddington
• Sonning Common
• Sunningwell and Bayworth.

A decision on implementing 20mph limits in Abingdon was deferred until a later date to ensure that the needs of all highway users are met in an effective manner.

There is a clear link between the speed of traffic and the likelihood of accidents leading to deaths or serious injuries. You are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph than if you are hit at 30mph.

The scheme is free to town and parish councils, with the county council funding sign-only changes for areas wishing to be part of the changes as long as locations meet the agreed criteria for 20mph restrictions.

Town and parish councils will be expected to fund any traffic calming measures or speed-activated signs that may be required to support the new limit in their areas.

More information, including a timetable of where and when forthcoming projects are taking place, is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

The 20mph programme also fits in with the council’s Vision Zero policy, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from Oxfordshire’s roads by 2050.

Following confusion caused by the implementation of reduced speed limits in Witney earlier this month, robust measures have been put in place by the council and its contractors to prevent similar issues happening again elsewhere.

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Oxfordshire County Council has been exploring ways of improving safety at The Plain since the death of a young woman on her bike at the junction in a collision involving a lorry on 1 March 2022.

It was one of several tragedies that prompted the council, in June, to adopt the Vision Zero strategy – an ambition to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

Roadworks at The Plain roundabout, Cowley Road, Iffley Road, Cowley Place and St Clement’s Street will begin on 21 November and are expected to finish by 25 November. Work will be carried out through the night (8pm to 5am) to minimise disruption.

The changes to The Plain include:

• amendments to road markings and traffic signs
• installation of road studs, bollards and cycle stands
• installing light cycle lane segregation units
• vegetation clearance.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “We have spent a considerable amount of time investigating ways of improving safety at The Plain roundabout. These changes were drawn up in collaboration with cycling groups and we are grateful for their help in this process.

“Our commitment to Vision Zero means we will continue to work with local cycling groups to help ensure new cycling infrastructure is designed and delivered to maximise safety. We want people to feel safe and secure when travelling around the city and county by bike and it’s clear that we need to continue to improve.”

The work will involve temporary traffic lights on The Plain with the Cowley Road arm closed to vehicles. Vehicles greater than 7.5 tonnes and buses will be diverted down Iffley Road and Between Towns Road.

Vehicles under 7.5 tonnes travelling towards Cowley will be diverted along Iffley Road then Temple Street. Vehicles travelling towards the city centre will be diverted to Stockmore Street then Iffley Road.

For the duration of the closure, each night, both Temple Street and Stockmore Street will operate one way systems and the low traffic neighbourhood bollards will be removed.

The Plain roundabout has the highest cycle flow of any roundabout in Oxfordshire – and one of the highest in the UK – with around 12,000 bike journeys per day during university term times. It is also a critical junction for many of the city’s bus services.

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The Project Edward (Every Day Without A Road Death) 2022 road trip is stopping off at Catte Street, Radcliffe Square, from 10am - 2pm to share information about road safety issues alongside representatives from a host of other organisations.

These will include Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, the wider council and cycling campaign group Cyclox. Members of the public can pop along to learn about the latest innovations, ask questions, and get advice about road safety matters.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “We recently made a commitment to Vision Zero – an ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from road traffic collisions in Oxfordshire by 2050. Tragic incidents on our roads earlier this year focused everyone’s minds on the vital importance on improving safety all users – especially the most vulnerable.

“We have also been making it easier for town and villages to lower their speed limits from 30mph to 20mph, creating safer roads for everyone. That’s why we welcome events such as this road safety day, which give organisations the chance to show the public the work being done in this area.”

Project Edward organiser Darren Lindsey said: “Project Edward is about all road users, road authorities and emergency services joining forces with the aim of zero road deaths. It’s also about how we as road users can take ownership of everyone’s safety.

“Our road trips will be stopping at some exciting events to observe and share knowledge and good practice.”

Andy Ford, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Safety Education Manager, said: “We look forward to meeting the public at this event to discuss the work we are doing to make travelling on our roads safer for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable users.”

Claire Benson, Specialist Units Manager, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “Thames Valley Police are pleased to be attending the Project Edward event, raising awareness of the road safety schemes we have in place across the Thames Valley. We are committed to keeping our roads safe for all and there will be an opportunity to find out about Community Speedwatch and Road Safety Cameras.”

Dr Alison Hill, Chair of Oxford cycle campaign group Cyclox, said: “I look forward to attending this event in order to promote the Vision Zero campaign. The tragic deaths in the last two years of four young women while riding bikes in Oxford show there is no time to lose when it comes to reaching our goal of eliminating deaths and life changing injury from collisions on our roads.”

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Oxfordshire County Council wants to make residential areas safer and more attractive places to walk and cycle. To enable this, 20mph speed restrictions are being used to help promote alternative modes of transport for local travel.

Consultations are currently taking place into plans for Abingdon and the Ladygrove area of Didcot. The council is seeking the views of residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors before the decisions are made.

The Abingdon proposals involve replacing the majority of existing 30mph speed limits on the main residential roads – those bounded by the ring road and those south of the River Ock – with 20mph limits. Additionally, the existing 40mph speed limits on the ring road would be reduced to 30mph.

Full details, and the chance to have your say, are available on Let’s Talk Oxfordshire until Friday 30 September.

The Didcot proposals are to bring in 20mph speed limits throughout the Ladygrove area – those roads lying north and east of the railway line – to replace existing 30mph limits.

New roads within the Willowbrook Park development north of the A4130 accessed via Franklin Gardens will also be included, along with both Copse View and Oakend Lea. The remaining roads in Didcot south of the railway line would be unaffected.

For more details, or to make your comments before 30 September, visit Let’s Talk Oxfordshire.

The proposals have been put forward following road safety concerns raised by both town councils. The aim is to improve road safety for all users and reduce the county’s carbon footprint.

Further details about how the council is making it easier for communities to request 20mph limits can be found on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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The council has set interim targets of a 25 per cent cut in casualties by 2026 and a 50 per cent reduction by 2030 before aiming to reach zero by 2050.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “Recent tragic incidents on our roads have focused everyone’s minds on the vital importance on making our roads and streets safer for all users – especially the most vulnerable.

“The adoption of a Vision Zero approach for Oxfordshire signals a clear ambition and commits the council to taking a new approach. But we can’t achieve this alone. It will require close working with partners and stakeholders to look at infrastructure, behaviour, technology and legislation to achieve this change.”  

Vision Zero was first implemented in Sweden in the 1990s and has proved successful across many large European cities. It is currently being actively progressed within the UK in a growing number of authorities.

The decision ratifies an aspiration announced by county council Leader Liz Leffman in March to make Vision Zero a success in Oxfordshire.

Although the total number of reported road casualties in Oxfordshire has fallen over the past 10 years, road deaths have remained unchanged, with an average of 25 per year. In recent years, the annual average total of serious injuries in the county has been 210.

There are a number of different strands which will need to come together and be managed as a single programme to achieve this ambition.

These include:

• policy
• speed management in partnership with Thames Valley Police
• good and fit for purpose new infrastructure
• improvements for cyclists
• road safety education and training
• wider improvement programmes, including Oxfordshire County Council’s 20mph scheme.

Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cycling and Active Travel Champion, said: “As chair of the cycling safety working group, it is excellent to see words being translated into actions. Vision Zero is an aim of the cycling campaign groups we have been working with in the aftermath of these recent tragedies, and its successful implementation will be our commitment to the memory of the cyclists who have lost their lives.

“There is a lot we can do that won't cost additional money, by making sure that all new highways work is done taking account of our commitment to cycling and walking.”

An initial sum of £250,000 from reserves has been identified for the delivery of prioritised Vision Zero initiatives to support vulnerable road users.

Dr Alison Hill, Chair of cycling campaign group Cyclox, which is part of the cycling safety working group, said: “To eliminate deaths and serious injury on our roads is going to require huge commitment and a change in approach from the council and its partners.

“We need to design out danger, particularly for people who cycle and walk. We need to take action now. We owe it to the families of those who have been killed and have suffered life changing injuries on Oxfordshire’s roads.”

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Following the fatal accident at Oxford Parkway Station on 8 February 2022, Dr Alison Hill, Chair of cycling campaign group Cyclox, delivered a petition demanding action and making a series of detailed recommendations. In response, the Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Councillor Liz Leffman, asked the Council’s Cycling Champion, Cllr Andrew Gant, to chair a working group to drive actions.

Before the group even met, another cyclist was killed, at The Plain in Oxford on 1 March. The remit of the group therefore took in this location alongside others, as well as wider safety issues.

The working group includes Oxford City Council’s Cycling Champion, Cllr Jemima Hunt, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, Cllr Tim Bearder, leading figures from membership organisations in the cycling and active travel fields, senior county council officers, and elected members of city, district and parish councils for the specific locations under discussion. It has met regularly and continues to do so.

Discussions have included short-term actions to deliver immediate improvements at locations of concern, along with longer-term and more significant changes. These need to take into account and align with planned schemes and initiatives such as the Central Oxfordshire Transport Strategy – due to the fact these will deliver significant changes in patterns of road use in and around Oxford – and, more broadly, with other programmes including the Housing Infrastructure Funding (HIF) and growth deal schemes.

The group will not rush decisions on ideas which may turn out not be compatible with these plans.

Specific sites under discussion are:

• Headley Way/London Road, Oxford: Plans to improve safety for cyclists through the junction are at design stage and will be made public soon
• Oxford Road/Oxford Parkway Station, Water Eaton: Temporary barriers are in place to reduce capacity and lower vehicle speeds in the southbound slipway and additional signage is in place. A more fundamental redesign of the junction to improve legibility for cyclists is under review. Officers have also engaged with haulage operators working out of the HS2 base at Oxford Parkway to make them aware of cyclist safety.
•  The Plain, Oxford: Additional signage is in place and there are plans to try to improve the alignment between Cowley Road and Iffley Road. Discussions are being had on road markings and potential options to better protect cyclists. Parking and loading restrictions, along with options to eliminate illegal parking (such as installing bollards and/or cycle parking racks on the island between Sainsbury’s and Magdalen College School’s junior school) are being pursued.

More widely, a review of provision for cyclists at junctions, with identification of key principles and locations, is taking place.

The group has also noted and warmly welcomed the unequivocal public commitment from Cllr Leffman, county council Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy, Cllr Duncan Enright, and others to the principle of Vision Zero, which commits to eliminating road fatalities through adoption and implementation of design policy.

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Oxfordshire County Council completed the work last month as part of its plans to reduce the speed of the majority of the county’s 30mph roads to 20mph, where suitable and when supported by residents. It followed the installation of 20mph pilot schemes in Cuxham, Long Wittenham, and Wallingford Central, with one more pilot site approved in Kirtlington later this year.

In February, Oxfordshire County Council approved an £8 million budget for a three-year programme to support the implementation of 20mph roads across Oxfordshire.

Since the council’s Cabinet endorsed the new 20mph policy in October 2021, more than 70 communities have applied to be included in the scheme. Officers are now developing a programme to deliver this first tranche, which will include 20mph schemes within Oxford and around many of Oxfordshire’s towns and villages.

However, more applications are welcomed from communities who want to be included in the next phases. The scheme is free to town and parish councils, with the county council funding sign-only changes for areas wishing to take part, as long as locations meet the agreed criteria for 20mph restrictions.

Town and parish councils will be expected to fund any extra engineered solutions or speed-activated signs that may be required to further reduce speeds in their local areas.

Applications for 20mph streets and roads need to be supported by the parish or town council and by the relevant local county councillor. More information, including details about how to apply, is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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“It has been heart-breaking to learn of the tragic deaths of two young women killed while cycling in or near Oxford over the last few weeks. I've been moved by the unwavering commitment of the bereaved families to cycling. In both cases the relatives have insisted that a fitting legacy would be a safer cycling city. A city where everyone from the ages of eight to 80 can cycle without the fear of death or serious injury.

“I am constantly impressed by the hard work and dedication of cycling advocate groups across the county. They represent a wealth of talent and expertise that is impossible to ignore, and we are extraordinarily lucky to have. I know that, in particular, Cyclox, is keen for the county to put the Vision Zero policy at the front and centre of our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan.

“Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. It was first implemented in Sweden in the 1990s and has proved successful across many important European cities. I would like to see it made a success here, across Oxfordshire.

“Of course, we will need to look hard at whether there are immediate measures that we can take and our Cycling Champion, Cllr Andrew Gant, will lead on this work in conjunction with the county council’s Corporate Director of Environment and Place, Bill Cotton, in consultation with the chair of Cyclox.

“These women who tragically lost their lives while cycling on our roads must not be forgotten and their legacy will be a radical commitment to a transport network where we take a zero tolerance attitude to having anyone else killed or seriously injured.”

On Tuesday, Oxfordshire County Council approved its 2022/23 budget, which included funding for a three-year programme to support the implementation of 20mph roads across Oxfordshire. The money will pay for sign-only measures and the intention is to encourage more walking and cycling and create safer and more pleasant places for communities.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “I'm delighted that my fellow council members have voted through a truly exciting and ambitious budget that recognises that travel and transport plans are fundamental to reducing our carbon emissions in Oxfordshire. Our policies can also make our towns, villages safer, happier, and less polluted place to live.

“To encourage cycling and walking we are investing £8m in a programme to make 20mph the new normal in residential areas across Oxfordshire. We are also putting aside £6m to support our bid to government with the bus companies for electric buses. We recognise that if people are to willingly leave their cars at home, we must provide exceptional alternative forms of transport. Under this alliance no-one will be left behind as we move towards a more sustainable people-centric transport network.”

Since the council’s Cabinet approved the new 20mph policy in October 2021, 70 communities have applied to be included in the scheme. Officers are now developing a programme to deliver this first tranche, which will include 20mph schemes within Oxford and around many of its towns and rural villages.

However, more applications are welcomed from communities who want to be included in the next phases. The scheme is free to town and parish councils, with the county council funding sign-only changes for areas wishing to be part of the changes as long as locations meet the agreed criteria for 20mph restrictions.

Town and parish councils will be expected to fund any traffic calming measures or speed-activated signs that may be required to further reduce speeds in their areas.

Applications for 20mph streets and roads need to be supported by the parish or town council and by the relevant local county councillor. More information is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

Oxfordshire County Council has already been developing 20mph pilot sites to test the impact of the policy on neighbourhoods. Roads in Cuxham, Long Wittenham and Wallingford Central have been cut to 20mph, while similar pilot schemes are planned for Wallingford North and Kirtlington. Data from the sites will start being analysed in the coming weeks.

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Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, approved the change on Thursday. It will also include two flat top road humps and a speed cushion funded by the parish council to slow down vehicles.

Cllr Bearder said: “This is another example of communities requesting action to make their neighbourhoods safer and more pleasant places to live. Having visited the area myself, this speed reduction makes perfect sense to slow down the traffic in that area.”

The change is expected to encourage more pupils to walk or cycle to school and make it safer for pedestrians.

In October, Oxfordshire County Council endorsed proposals to make it simpler, quicker and less cost prohibitive to lower speeds to 20mph on most urban areas and village streets in places where it is both suitable and supported by residents.

Now other towns, villages and parishes that want to reduce their speed limits are being urged to get their applications in to be included in the first tranche of changes.

The scheme is free to town and parish councils as the county council will fund sign-only changes. Locations must meet the prior agreed criteria for 20mph restrictions.

Town and parish councils will be expected to fund any traffic calming measures or speed-activated signs that may be required to further reduce speeds in their local areas.

The applications need to be supported by the parish or town council and by the local county councillor.

More information, including details about how to apply, is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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Oxfordshire County Council completed the work earlier this month as part of its plans to reduce the speed of the majority of the county’s 30mph roads to 20mph, where suitable and when supported by local residents. It followed the installation of 20mph pilot schemes in Cuxham and Long Wittenham in 2021, with more pilot sites planned for Wallingford North and Kirtlington later this year.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: "Members of Wallingford Town Council enthusiastically embraced this project, so it was fantastic that they could join us at the unveiling to demonstrate how the 20mph scheme is being driven by communities. They understand that bringing the speed down opens up a wealth of possibilities to help make Wallingford a destination location where people want to spend time to shop, meet and relax. Together we are changing the pace and creating a better place."

In October 2021, the council endorsed proposals to make it simpler, quicker and less cost prohibitive to lower speeds to 20mph on most urban areas and village streets.

Councillor Pete Sudbury, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “I’m looking forward to all roads round our homes and workplaces having safer speed limits.”

The council’s 2022/23 budget proposals include a programme of funding to support an expanded 20mph scheme. The budget will be decided at a meeting of the full council on 8 February.

The proposed scheme will be free to town and parish councils with the county council funding sign-only changes for areas wishing to be part of the changes as long as locations meet the agreed criteria for 20mph restrictions.

Town and parish councils will be expected to fund any extra engineered solutions or speed-activated signs that may be required to further reduce speeds in their local areas.

Applications for 20mph streets and roads need to be supported by the parish or town council and by the relevant local county councillor. More information, including details about how to apply, is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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New automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are being installed on Cornwallis Road and Bartholomew Road to support the trial of the Cowley low traffic neighbourhood (LTN).

The cameras will operate 24 hours a day from 20 January 2022 and will help provide safer pedestrian and cycle access on these two roads.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “Cornwallis Road and Bartholomew Road are busy routes for a number of primary and secondary schools in the area. I'm delighted that these cameras will help make these streets safer, quieter and more pleasant places to live.

“The ANPR cameras will prevent through traffic on residential streets and make them safer for people of all age groups and abilities to walk and cycle.”

A £60 fine is payable for breaching access to the LTN. Emergency services, pedestrians, cyclists, foot scooters, the trial Voi e-scooters, taxis and buses are exempt from the camera enforcement.

The cameras have been funded by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund for LTNs. Over the coming months, the council will continue to monitor the impact of the LTN scheme including data collected on traffic and air pollution and levels of walking and cycling in these areas.

A decision on whether to extend the trial, make the LTN permanent or remove the LTN will be made at the council Cabinet member decision meeting on 24 February.

Last week, Long Wittenham became the second 20mph pilot scheme to be completed by Oxfordshire County Council in its ambitious project to reduce the pace of cars and create a safer place in the county. It follows the successful installation of 20mph restrictions in Cuxham last month, while Wallingford central is set to become the third pilot site on 20 December.

In October, the council endorsed proposals to make it simpler, quicker and less cost prohibitive to lower speeds to 20mph on most urban areas and village streets in places where it is both suitable and supported by residents.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “Communities are now starting to see the real benefit of these measures coming in, with a safer pace creating a safer place. Now we want more areas to get involved by registering their interest in reducing the speed limit on their roads to improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists and reducing noise and pollution.

“We’ve been delighted by the amount of interest so far with nearly 40 areas getting in touch, but our ambitions for this scheme are high and we want 20mph to be the new 30mph in Oxfordshire within a few years. We know that the introduction of 20mph restrictions in other areas has already cut speeds and accidents, and it is well-known that the survival rate for people involved in accidents increases as speeds are reduced.”

The scheme is free to town and parish councils as the county council will fund sign-only changes for councils wishing to be part of the changes. Locations must meet the prior agreed criteria, as approved by the council on 19 October 2021, for 20mph restrictions.

Town and parish councils will be expected to fund any extra engineered solutions such as build-outs or speed-activated signs that may be required to further reduce speeds in their local areas.

The applications need to be supported by the parish or town council and by the local county councillor.

More information, including details about how to apply, is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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The road was previously classed as one of the 50 most dangerous A road sections in the UK by the International Road Assessment Programme. In response, the county council carried out the £5.1 million A361 Safety Improvements Project with funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).

Work on a wide range of safety improvements for the 16km stretch were completed last year, including the installation of a new Toucan crossing, and a glowing 2.5 metre-wide, 2000 metre-long, shared use path.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “We were pleased to be involved in this important lifesaving project and are delighted that all the hard work has been recognised with this award.”

The project consisted of:

• Carriageway resurfacing to improve skid resistance.
• Surface water drainage improvements to prevent overflowing.
• Footway improvements including conversion to a shared use pedestrians/cycleway to allow safe off-road cycling.
• Vegetation clearance to improve visibility, especially at bends.
• Conversion of an existing Pelican crossing to Toucan to allow safe connection between Ell’s Lane and Bloxham’s Warriner School.
• Reduction in speed limits from 50mph to 40mph between Banbury and Wykham Lane and from 60mph to 50pmh in southern sections.
• Road markings and signage improvements, including yellow backed and raised signs for better visibility, and introduction of road studs on all bends to better guide motorists at night.

The £100 million Safer Roads Fund was established by the DfT following a successful programme delivered by the Road Safety Foundation and commissioned and financially supported by the RAC Foundation. The Safer Roads Fund programme focused on treating the 50 highest risk local A road sections in England with remedial road safety engineering interventions.

His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, Executive Director of the Road Safety Foundation, said: “I was delighted when the government announced the Safer Roads Fund. The importance of sound investment at local level will provide many long-overdue improvements, not just in the 50 most dangerous stretches of A roads in England, but elsewhere too.”

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “I am delighted our Safer Roads Fund has been recognised for its lifesaving work. It was designed to prevent thousands of tragedies on our roads, and the department will continue to work tirelessly on this priority as we move forward.”

Dr Suzy Charman, Executive Director of the Road Safety Foundation, said: “We are delighted that the DfT’s investment in the Safer Roads Fund is recognised with this award. We share this award with the RAC Foundation whose initial support allowed us to undertake the pathfinder project that was a catalyst to the Safer Roads Fund and, of course, we also share the award with our local authority partners who worked hard to design and implement their schemes.”

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Oxfordshire County Council brought in 20mph restrictions to Cuxham this week, putting in new speed signs and road markings and cutting back vegetation to make them more visible.

Last month, the council’s Cabinet endorsed proposals to make it simpler, quicker and less cost prohibitive to lower speeds to 20mph on most urban areas and village streets in places where it is both suitable and supported by residents.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “We are delighted that this pilot site is now up and running in Cuxham, and we are keen to see what impact the measures will have on the area. There is considerable local support for the change, and we believe it will make this beautiful village even more attractive and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

“We have received an overwhelming level of interest from towns, villages and parishes since we announced the expansion of these proposals last month, which shows just what an appetite there is for 20mph becoming the new 30mph in Oxfordshire.”

On Thursday 18 November, three more 20mph pilot schemes were approved – in Long Wittenham, Wallingford Central and Wallingford North. A fourth trial scheme, in Kirtlington, is also planned once a consultation has taken place.

The emphasis will be on changing motorists’ mindsets so that driving above 20mph in a built-up area is seen as socially unacceptable.

More information, including details about how towns, parishes and villages can register an interest in bringing in 20mph limits, are available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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As temperatures fall, Oxfordshire County Council said it can boast a full complement of more than 50 drivers – including back-up crews – to keep its gritter lorries moving whenever the freezing weather strikes. An extra 15 drivers were trained last year in case crews were forced to self-isolate because of the pandemic, and at least four more drivers have joined the ranks this winter.

The county’s gritter lorries hit the road for the first time this winter at 7pm on Thursday 4 November in the north of the county as road temperatures fell below freezing.

Paul Wilson, who manages the winter operation, said: “We are committed to keeping our network of major roads free from ice and snow to minimise the risk of accidents and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Salting – also known as gritting (even though it is actually salt that we use) – helps to achieve this aim.

“We use a number of methods to decide when and where to salt – a mixture of technology and experience. We receive regular weather forecasts for conditions on Oxfordshire's roads, use a computerised ice prediction system to compare forecast conditions against actual road temperatures, monitor conditions through the night, and utilise the skills of experienced staff to judge when to best carry out precautionary gritting.

“However, although we make great efforts to keep roads clear in winter, drivers must never assume that a road will be free from ice and should adjust their driving to suit the conditions. If you do find yourself behind one of our gritter lorries, which are restricted to 30mph when they are carrying out their work, please be patient and considerate – remember that they are there to keep you safe.”

While Oxford City Council looks after the gritting inside the Oxford ring road, Oxfordshire County Council has responsibility for the rest of the county – including all A-roads, B-roads and some C-roads, apart from the M40, A43 and A34, which are covered by National Highways.

The county is spilt into three geographical zones – north, central and south – and although most of the time all three are gritted, sometimes, when temperatures vary between areas, some may require no action. Regular updates on gritting activity can be found on the winter pages of Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

Every time they are called out to salt the whole county, Oxfordshire’s gritter drivers cover more than 1,200 miles, which is the equivalent of travelling from London to Iceland. They cover 25 routes – each taking about three hours – and will typically use a total of 240 tonnes of salt.

Richard Boss, 61, is in his 40th and potentially final year as a gritter driver, and has already been out in his lorry once this year. So, has the nationwide shortage of HGV drivers made him and his colleagues feel more appreciated?

“Yes, it has made people value us more for what we do,” said Richard, from North Aston. “I was due to finish last year but they persuaded me to do one more year because of the situation…although they will probably ask me again next Christmas too!”

And with his wealth of experience, it’s no surprise that the newer recruits come to him for advice.

“They ask me what to do, especially what happens when it snows. I told them we get a call from the client then go back and put snow ploughs on the lorries. They should be alright.”

And he has observed changes in weather patterns in Oxfordshire over the years.

“Four or five years ago we were out every night in early November, but because of climate change it’s more like the middle of November when we get stuck into the freezing weather.”

The gritting ‘season’ starts at the beginning of November and usually lasts until the end of March, although the gritters will still be called into action outside of these dates if required.

The crews are based at the council’s three depots, in Deddington, Drayton and Woodcote. The drivers all have day jobs with the council, including filling in potholes, patching roads, and clearing drains. On days when they are required to go out gritting, or clear snow using snow ploughs, they will be sent home early so that they are rested in time for their evening shift.

One treatment is usually sufficient for the milder winter weather but, if conditions are worse, the drivers can return to the depot to load up again and return to the roads. In extreme cases, particularly involving snow, another team of drivers may even be called in to take over.

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On Tuesday, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet voted to endorse proposals to make it simpler, quicker and less cost prohibitive to lower speeds to 20mph on most urban areas and village streets in places where it is both suitable and supported by residents.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “There is a huge appetite for this 20mph policy and new approach around the county as towns, villages and parishes look to make their roads more pleasant and safer for pedestrians and cyclists. We are certain that it will save lives.

“Drivers have a responsibility to adhere to speed limits – whether that is 20mph or 30pmph. If they don’t, then they are breaking the law. We are expecting the new approach to have a positive impact on road safety. I believe it will become socially unacceptable to exceed 20mph in a built-up area, just as it is to smoke on a bus.”

There is a clear link between the speed of traffic and the likelihood of accidents happening in which people are killed or injured. You are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph than if you are hit at 30mph.

Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “Speeding is a concern raised by many communities across Oxfordshire, and indeed across Thames Valley. The setting of speed limits is a matter for local authorities and Thames Valley Police will continue to enforce in line with the speed limits that are in force.”

The council will now carry out a countywide survey of parish councils to understand the potential level of interest. It is committed to working with key stakeholders including bus, taxi, and haulage companies, as well as major businesses, throughout the process.

Jean Conway, campaign leader for 20’s Plenty for Oxfordshire, said: “We are delighted Oxfordshire County Council has been so positive in supporting this much needed reduction in speed limits. We need to create a new habit, a bit like wearing seatbelts. If everyone changes their behaviour, then 20mph will become accepted as the new normal.”

Last month, as part of the policy change work, it was decided to introduce 20mph limits in the south Oxfordshire village of Cuxham on a pilot basis. Signs are due to be installed in the middle of November.

Four more pilot schemes, in Long Wittenham, Wallingford Central, Wallingford North, and Kirtlington, are also planned – following consultations.

More information, including details about how towns, parishes and villages can register an interest in bringing in 20mph limits, are available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet will decide on 19 October whether to endorse plans to make it simpler to lower speeds to 20mph as part of its aspiration to see limits lowered on most urban areas and village streets in places where it is suitable and supported by residents

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance, said: “It’s a hugely ambitious vision for Oxfordshire that can create a safer pace and a safer place. Making 20mph the new 30mph sits at the heart of all our active travel plans. Without this shift we'll never be able to persuade residents to make cycling and walking the natural first choice and reduce the dominance of vehicles in the hearts our towns and villages.

"I firmly believe this is an important step on the road to improving health and wellbeing. Combined with other measures it can create healthy, dynamic community spaces. There is huge local interest and desire to deliver 20mph within the county and the proposed policy and approach should make it easier and more cost effective to implement.

“We want the streets where people live, work, play and shop to benefit from this policy change with the aim to make Oxfordshire’s roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Last month, as part of the policy change work, 20mph limits were introduced in the south Oxfordshire village of Cuxham on a pilot basis, while four more pilot schemes are planned – in Long Wittenham, Wallingford Central, Wallingford North and Kirtlington – following consultations.

Although Oxfordshire County Council would be working alongside Thames Valley Police, there would be an emphasis on drivers adhering to the new limits through a change of mindset, rather than enforcement. It is hoped that as 20mph areas become more common, breaking the limit would become socially unacceptable for drivers.

There is a clear link between the speed of traffic and the likelihood of accidents happening in which people are killed or injured. You are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph than if you are hit at 30mph.

If the proposals are approved, a countywide survey of parish councils will be carried out to understand the potential level of interest.

The authority is committed to working with key stakeholders including bus, taxi, and haulage companies, as well as major businesses, throughout the process.

More information, including details about how towns, parishes and villages can register an interest in bringing in 20mph limits, are available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, approved the introduction of a 20mph limit in the South Oxfordshire village at his delegated decisions meeting on Thursday 7 September. It followed a consultation process in which 82 per cent of residents who responded were in favour of the speed reduction.

The council is currently in the process of consulting on four more 20mph trial sites across the county, in Long Wittenham, Wallingford Central, Wallingford North and Kirtlington. It is believed there is the potential to have around 85 per cent of Oxfordshire’s 30mph roads reduced to 20mph, subject to local opinion and available funding.

Cllr Bearder said: “Oxfordshire people want to revolutionise our residential areas and turn them back into safe and attractive places for people to walk and cycle. Residents of five determined and forward-thinking villages have volunteered to be a test bed for a suite of measures based around the introduction of 20mph speed limits. This important and detailed work will help us develop a plan to really deliver the results people are increasingly telling us they want to see.”

The Cuxham trial is due to begin in mid-September. The trial will initially consist of signs only to see if drivers’ behaviour alone will reduce speeds in the areas. If not, then lowcost traffic calming measures, sympathetic to the location, will be experimented with.

“This 20mph approach is required in Oxfordshire if we are to deliver our vision to make active travel, public and shared transport the natural first choice,” added Cllr Bearder. “It is to reduce the speed of vehicles in areas that meet our criteria to reduce the dominance of vehicles, improve the experience of being on streets and making healthy travel safer.

“The 20mph programme will also contribute to delivering a zero-carbon transport network. Improving our streets to encourage active travel will also help to deliver further benefits for people in Oxfordshire, such as improving our public health by being active and breathing a better quality of air, reducing road noise, and reducing casualty rates and improving road safety.”

As part of this process, Oxfordshire County Council is committed to working with the campaign group 20’s Plenty, local communities, Thames Valley Police, bus companies and other stakeholders.

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Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Highways Management, made the decision today during a formal council meeting after considering feedback from the non-statutory consultation held in June.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “I’d like to thank all those who have taken part in the debate on the east Oxford LTNs both in the consultation and at this session. No-one doubts our collective aim to address climate change and traffic as an administration. But we have to make the transport system you are using work for you. This needs a holistic, planned, comprehensive approach that results in planned change that gives it every chance of success.”

Residents, the emergency services, visitors and local businesses across Oxford were consulted on proposals for the introduction of a trial of LTNs in the Divinity Road, St Mary’s and St Clements areas 8 - 29 June 2021. Over 2,000 responses were submitted.

The consultation found that residents living in the proposed LTN neighbourhoods particularly in the Divinity Road area (62 per cent strongly in favour) show support for the proposals. Meanwhile, residents in both St Mary’s, and St Clement’s were largely supportive (with 42 per cent each strongly in favour). Feedback from businesses and those outside the proposed LTN areas was generally against the proposals. 

The decision means that council officers will now examine the specific issues and concerns raised in the consultation responses and those who made them. The new consultation that follows will be targeted more specifically to those who identified the key concerns to propose a revised scheme that works for the communities involved.

The decision now means that revisions to the proposed LTNs based on the new consultation planned will return for a Cabinet member decision session later this year.

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Oxfordshire County Council has launched a number of roads and transport online surveys, which are open to the public to comment on. The council is keen to hear views as soon as possible but people will have the chance to comment until February 2022. It is an opportunity for people to tell the new cross-party Oxfordshire Fair Deal Alliance, which was formed in May 2021 after the local elections, what they think about highways and transport services. 

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “The quality of our highways network and transport systems are some of the key things that Oxfordshire County Council is judged on by the public and it is a great responsibility which everyone here takes incredibly seriously. 

“In my new role I am seeing first-hand how difficult it is for our hardworking teams to maintain the highway network within current budgets, due to insufficient national government funding. However, we are committed to keeping the transport network safe and structurally sound. 

“I urge all residents to use these quick and easy online surveys to tell the new cross-party alliance what is being done well and what can be done better. It is important that as many people as possible who are affected by these issues have their say.” 

The online survey categories are: 

• accessibility 
• highway maintenance 
• public transport 
• road safety 
• tackling congestion
• walking and cycling
• business users. 

Earlier this year, the council announced it was investing £31.3 million in improving the highways network for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in 2021/22. Roads, cycleways, bridges, drainage, pavements and streetlights will all benefit from the programme. The full list of projects and their locations is available to view online.

Between April 2020 and March 2021, Oxfordshire County Council treated just under 1.5 million square metres of highway at more than 220 sites, with works valued at just over £20m. 

Repairs are identified either through reports from the public or during the council’s own routine inspections. People can report any defect found to the highways using the Fix My Street app. 

Meanwhile, in a separate survey, thousands of householders who have been selected at random are being asked for their views on Oxfordshire County Council’s highways and transport services. Their answers will be compared with the views of other members of the public across England and Scotland, thanks to the National Highways and Transport (NHT) public satisfaction survey. 

The questionnaire is being sent to 3,300 residents, and will be followed by a reminder, with local and national results to be published in late October 2021. Since the survey is based on a random sample, residents who receive a copy are being urged to take part. 

It is one way of several that provide Oxfordshire County Council with information to assess how it is performing and gives the public an opportunity to say which services they think the council should prioritise and improve. 

The 2020 NHT survey showed an overall improvement of customer satisfaction on the previous year’s results, with almost twice as many key benchmark indicators rising as opposed to falling. 

School Streets aims to improve road safety to help boost cycling and walking and improve air quality. They are being delivered by Oxfordshire County Council together with participating schools, in partnership with walking and cycling charity Sustrans and backed by financial support from the government.

Rosie Rowe, Healthy Place Shaping Lead at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We know that without safer streets, many children and their parents will not have the confidence to cycle or walk. School Streets are a great way to allow this to happen, which not only offers a more sustainable form of travel that will improve air quality but provides the opportunity to increase the physical activity levels of school children and their families.”

Sarah Leeming, Head of Delivery at Sustrans, said: “Following the successful pilots in Oxford, Sustrans is delighted to be working with school communities in the county towns of Witney, Oxford and Abingdon in the role out of more School Streets. It feels like momentum for School Streets is gathering pace across the county, with school staff, parents and residents keen to see a happier, safer and healthier environment outside the school gates.”

School Streets restrict motor vehicles (other than buses) outside schools and apply to both school and through traffic, while typically continuing to permit access for people living there.

In a six-week scheme starting on 24 May, Tower Hill Primary School in Witney will join the trial. From 7 June, St Nicolas Church of England Primary School in Abingdon and Larkrise Primary School in Oxford will also join the trials. In addition, Bure Park Primary School and St Edburg’s Church of England Primary School, both in Bicester, started trials on 12 May.

If the trials are deemed a success by the schools, they will be extended for a further 18 months.

On roads where School Streets are trialled, orange and white cones or barriers will be placed along the road temporarily to stop cars from going through, with signs telling drivers not to park in the area to keep the children safe. Marshalls will be on hand to enable residents to access or leave their property. The restrictions will apply to school staff and all through traffic alike.

Sustrans is supporting schools across the country to deliver School Streets as part of its commitment to making it easier for people to walk and cycle.

For anyone interested in having a School Street, please register your interest with the council. If you'd like to help volunteer on this scheme, Sustrans South is looking for Steward Leads for School Streets trials in Witney, Abingdon and Oxford.

A series of frequently asked questions on School Streets are also available online.

School Streets aim to improve road safety to help boost cycling and walking and improve air quality. They are being delivered by Oxfordshire County Council in partnership with walking and cycling charity Sustrans, backed by financial support from the government. This follows extensive engagement and designs with residents and the schools prior to the scheme launch.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We know that without safe and low-traffic environments, many children simply won’t have the confidence to cycle. School Streets are a great policy in enabling a travel revolution to improve air quality and physical activity levels of school children and their families.”

Sarah Leeming, Sustrans head of delivery, said: "We’re really pleased to be supporting Oxfordshire County Council to trial the School Streets initiative.

“School Streets schemes in other parts of the country have proved beneficial for road safety and air quality. And they create a cleaner, more pleasant environment outside the school.

“In turn, School Streets increase the likelihood that children will walk or cycle to school instead of being dropped off in a car, so they get to school feeling alert and ready for a day of learning.”

School Streets restrict motor vehicles (other than buses) outside schools and apply to both school and through traffic, while typically continuing to permit access for people living there.

In a six-week pilot scheme starting on 22 March, Windmill Primary and St Christopher’s Church of England primary schools in Oxford will be the first to begin the trials. These will be followed by East Oxfordshire Primary in Oxford in May.

If the trials are deemed a success by the schools, they will be extended for a further 18 months.

On roads where School Streets are trialled, orange and white cones or barriers will be placed along the road to stop cars from going through, with signs telling drivers not to park in the area to keep the children safe. Marshalls will be on hand to enable residents to access or leave their property. The restrictions will apply to school staff and all through traffic alike.

Sustrans is supporting schools across the country to deliver School Streets as part of its commitment to making it easier for people to walk and cycle.

The charity hopes that schools, local authorities and residents will see the benefits of the schemes and consider options for making them more permanent, as a number of schools across Britain already have.

For anyone interested in having a School Street, please register your interest with the council. A series of frequently asked questions on School Streets are also available on the county council’s website.

Photo: Sustrans/Paul Mitchell

The measures will aim to address through-traffic on residential roads in these areas so that residents can enjoy a quieter neighbourhood and feel safer when they walk, cycle or use mobility scooters. The changes proposed will also offer residents a healthier environment with lower emissions and cleaner air.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We have listened to what changes local people want to be made. Now we’d like the specific views of residents on how they feel about the proposed measures to make sure we address the needs of the community in Jericho and Walton Manor.

“We encourage all residents, traders and organisations to submit their views in this consultation to conclude a scheme that works for Jericho.”

The active travel measures will mean that streets will be attractive for pedestrians and cycles. Streets will continue to be accessible to residents, traders, the emergency services, visitors and deliveries, but some drivers may need to choose an alternative route for some areas.

The pilot, which would be put into place should the current traffic filter be removed, proposes restricting turning movements for vehicles at two junctions. The measures would be implemented using an experimental traffic regulation order, which would be in place for no more than 18 months. The consultation webpage will be open for six months after any implementation.

The council will consider all residents’, visitors’ and local businesses’ opinions before a scheme is introduced.

The consultation opens on 5 March and closes at 23.59 on 19 March.

Take part in the consultation on the county council’s website.

For paper copies, email activetraveloxfordcity@oxfordshire.gov.uk or call 01865 792422

Thanks to consultation responses from residents and organisations in January and February, final scheme designs have been agreed by the county council and are now set to be implemented.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I’d like to thank all those that contributed their views in the consultations on the schemes for Bicester and Witney. The consultations have helped us to design schemes that are right for the towns and that make a lasting difference in the council’s goals of increasing journeys made by cycling and walking.”

“Active travel and climate action are at the heart of our plans. We have put forward schemes that will have the greatest impact in terms of air quality, physical activity and environmental benefit. Both schemes are projects which go to the heart of supporting healthy and vibrant communities.”

Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are delighted to learn that work is set to begin on this scheme, benefitting both businesses and residents alike, as well as supporting a shift towards cleaner travel. As the Local Enterprise Partnership for Oxfordshire, we continue to play a vitally important role moving forward, securing investment that enables and unlocks new opportunities for our many businesses and communities right across the county.”

The work has been delivered at pace thanks to funding of £1.4 million secured by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) from the Government’s Local Growth Fund.

In Witney, an enhanced cycling and walking connection between Tower Hill and Madley Park will be created, incorporating the town centre, shops, schools and businesses. Following consultation feedback, Holloway Road will remain open and the proposed bus lane on Corn Street has been deferred to be considered within the Witney transport strategy review.

The work in Bicester incorporates the eastern end of Middleton Stoney Road. This scheme will boost cycling and walking from the expanding south and west of Bicester and provide connectivity into the town centre through Oxford Road/Kings End and Causeway, as well as an off-road route through Piggy Lane. A decision on Causeway has been deferred until the detailed designs have been prepared and discussed with stakeholders.

Shared paths will be widened in both towns to three metres wherever possible to create a safer environment to cycle and walk.

Work on both schemes is set to be completed in May, offering residents a great chance to enjoy more active travel journeys from the summer.

Officers at both Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council are now beginning work on a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Banbury. The work will be jointly funded and managed by both councils.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We are committed to encouraging active, healthy and sustainable modes of travel, such as cycling, which benefit everybody by helping to reduce air pollution, noise pollution and greenhouse gases.

Additional advantages for those who cycle as part of their everyday routine include improved physical and mental health, with associated gains of increased productivity and reduced sickness absence. Encouraging cycling, walking and active travel as a whole is an integral part of the council’s priorities to create healthy places and take meaningful climate action.”

The goal of the LCWIP will be to identify infrastructure improvements needed to enable people to cycle and walk more within the town and from local villages. It also aims to help win funding for better cycling and walking infrastructure.

Work is currently being implemented on LCWIPs for Bicester and Witney – the experience of this work will inform plans for Banbury.

The work also comes after support from local environmental pressure organisation Banbury Community Action Group. The development of an LCWIP also forms part of the wider Banbury transport strategy. 

Wider community engagement will follow in the late spring and summer.