Oxfordshire’s first draft area travel plan, which includes radical measures for the central area, has been launched for public feedback.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) was adopted in July, setting out its vision and key targets.

Area individual area travel plans are being developed across Oxfordshire, starting with the Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan covering Oxford, Kidlington, Eynsham, Botley, Cumnor, Kennington and Wheatley.

The county’s aims include reducing car trips by a quarter by 2030, delivering a net-zero transport network by 2040 and having zero (or as close as possible to zero) road fatalities or life-changing injuries by 2050.

Cllr Duncan Enright, cabinet member for travel and development strategy, said: “The draft Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan sets out our vision to develop a world-leading, innovative, inclusive and carbon neutral transport system with a focus on how people move quickly and safely around the area.

“In particular, we need to look at options that re-allocate the limited road space we have to create a place where buses are fast, affordable, and reliable; where people can walk and cycle in pleasant and safe environments; and where those who have to use a car can do so on less-congested roads, with more people using other means to get around.”

The Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan sets out 22 actions aimed at providing:

  • A zero-emission bus network with new and improved routes, able to travel at the speed limit 24/7.
  • A comprehensive and safe cycle and footpath network for pedestrians and cyclists
  • A significant reduction in congestion
  • Streets and public spaces with clean air
  • 20-minute neighbourhoods where everything people need for their daily lives can be found within a 20-minute walk
  • Carbon neutral transport in Oxford
  • Improved safety through a ‘Vision Zero’ approach
  • An ‘inclusive transport network’ with improved accessibility

The draft plan also outlines three major transport proposals for Oxford: traffic filters, a workplace parking levy and an expanded zero emission zone, all of which will be consulted on in more detail and separately to the area travel plan.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways management, said: “Effective public transport is key to many of our priorities as a council and ensuring we provide options that are accessible, reliable, faster and greener is essential to providing our communities with real travel choices.

“But to make public transport, like taking the bus, an attractive option for people, we need to reduce congestion. Four full buses can remove half a mile of traffic from our roads.

“That’s why the transport vision, adopted by the council in July, seeks to reduce the need to travel and private car use by making walking, cycling, public and shared transport the natural first choice.”

The draft Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan survey closes on October 3.

Visit https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/central-oxfordshire-travel-plan

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