Let your voice be heard
Please sign the petition, to stop traffic filters & LTNs, that we have joined forces to promote with the local grassroots 'Our City Our Choice' ourcityourchoice.org/ campaign team:
actionstorm.org/petitions/stop-the-traffic-filters-ltns-that-will-gridlock-divide-oxford-63e6a724edc83 Please sign & share the petition & don't forget to add your own personal comments. Please read the thousands of comments already made by local residents & businesses in Oxford. |
(*All stories from residents below have been shared by us with their consent, with some residents have requesting anonymity)
Opposition to LTNs:
Please also read through the Countless comments on the petitions to remove the Cowley & Littlemore LTNs - which thousands of residents have signed:
https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/end-traffic-barriers-in-littlemore-and-cowley
https://www.change.org/p/oxfordshire-county-council-remove-the-low-traffic-neighborhood-road-closures-in-oxford-cb5d7e8d-478c-4b4d-ad66-25a626e3e25d
www.change.org/p/stop-the-cowley-ltn-and-remove-the-anpr-cameras
https://www.change.org/p/remove-cowley-and-east-oxford-ltns
"LTN's are a terrible idea, I live on Barns road and as a consequence of this the road has become even more congested with traffic. I am a car user, I work a considerable distance from my home and I also care for my elderly mother so cycling is not an option for me. I walk to the local shops and use public transport when I can. I am very frustrated by the attitude that some people have that we should all get around by cycling!!! If you enjoy living on a car free street, good for you, your enjoyment of life comes at great expense to others!!"
Elizabeth, Littlemore resident
"Previously, getting to the Oxford Ring road from my house was very quick and easy. Now it takes a lot longer, and involves going through at least 2 more sets of traffic lights. It is also 0.7 miles further to the Ring road taking the shortest non-blocked off route to my house... There was NOT a traffic problem before the council created one on the roads near where I live, and I have lived here since 1999... Everyone I have spoken to (neighbours etc) is unhappy with this, 'it’s a nightmare' one neighbour said."
Anonymous, Littlemore resident
"The perimeter main roads have a speed limit of 30mph but currently cars are at a standstill and so are idling due to the LTNs. Oxford City Council states that idling cars cause 20 times more pollution than a car travelling at 32mph. So, we are seeing 20 times more pollution per car and with a gridlock of hundreds of cars we are seeing several thousand-fold more pollution! The link mentions that the lungs of children are most affected (and its clear that idling cars as a result of the LTNs are particular worse exactly when our children are walking/cycling to/from school!!)."
Anonymous, Cowley resident
"I live on Church Cowley Rd and the new LTN has already meant this road now has streaming traffic in peak hours, increased emissions, pavement parking meaning cars pulling into middle of road to get by, and speeding cars particularly at night. Meanwhile Florence park streets are dead! Why is my quality of life worth less then theirs? How is this democracy? I doubt most residents on this street filled in the consultation due to high proportion of shared housing. The recent resurfacing of this road last yr is of poor quality meaning noise levels are higher as well."
Sarah, Cowley
"I am a Temple Cowley resident. I am apposed to the LTN's for many reasons. I am disabled and have to use my car.
I am getting sick and tired of getting stuck in traffic because of the LTN's. I have two children to drop off of a morning at Tyndale and Florence Park. Hollow Way yesterday was an absolute nightmare going back down to the swan. The traffic was backed up right up to the Horspath Road junction. To get to Flo Park I had to go on the bypass to avoid this. More mileage, more petrol. All my journeys involve using Oxford Road. Get stuck behind a bus in a stop in peak time and you've had it. Traffic will not evaporate.
I think the scheme is mighty unfair on those on the main roads. Why should those in LTN benefit from traffic free roads and others have to get the brunt of it. Including myself and those who have to use vehicles."
Disabled resident, Temple Cowley
"I am totally against this experiment as I feel it will be more permanent and apart from that I feel very strongly that roadways are meant to be used, that is what they were intended for and it is an infringement of our rights to have this imposed upon the general community. I am tired of hearing individuals say that such a road is used as a 'rat run' - yes, I do see that can be the case but we need to address the issue of driving fast in residential areas."
Nora, Florence Park
"So the council thinks cutting off a whole community from essential services is a good idea. This is what is threatening the residents of Littlemore today. If these new barriers go ahead thousands of people, many disadvantaged or elderly, will not be able to travel directly to the local shops, G.P. surgerys at Temple Cowley or Hollow Way or the dentist surgery at Cowley Centre. They will be forced into making longer journeys along already congested roads which will cost them more... These local shops, banks and services provide a lifeline to the residents who would otherwise have to make long trips to other areas for essential services. For those who are infirm, disabled or elderly travelling by car is not just convenient it’s essential. Put simply it involves less walking which is important for people with limited mobility. Driving is the only means of travel to vital amenities... Another issue that needs to be addressed is social isolation. This according to the Government this is one of the most pressing public health issues in England. Staying mobile and being able to travel even short distances to shop or meet up for a coffee is seen as vital to peoples mental and physical health. For some people who live on their own the only opportunity to communicate with others is when they go shopping. So what about the alternative route? All traffic will have to come back through the village of Littlemore and travel either along Newman Road, an extremely busy road with a dangerous exit on to Rose Hill, or all the way through the village on Cowley Road... So that’s it Littlemore, you can’t go to the shops, doctors, banks or cafes and when you dare pop you head out of the door you’ll find yourselves living in an even more polluted, congested environment 24/7..."
Suzanne, Littlemore resident
"I totally agree with all the points you make and am very angry that Littlemore residents did not get the Oxon county council standard letter about their plans. It was seemingly only sent to Cowley residents although we will be hugely impacted and I'm concerned that many folk are still not aware of the implications. This scheme seems to designed for the younger fit folk who are able to walk or cycle. No concern for others who are not so able. A trip to either Drs surgery from Littlemore will be a huge challenge for the less able as there is no direct bus route, and the service we have is not adequate anyway."
Littlemore resident
"I live on Henley Avenue, which will suffer from much more traffic and noise, and reduce health and safety. I talked with 2 councillors. They call Henley Avenue 'Inner Ring' and Cornwallis "a Short Cut". One said that traffic will 'evaporate' and more traffic on Henley Avenue will be so congested it will slow down and I 'should like that'. This whole process is very biased and irresponsible, including the questionnaire."
Henley Avenue resident
"I live on the Oxford road, a road that will form a divide between the Florence park LTN and Temple Cowley LTN with the placement of the current Modal filters at the junction of Rymers lane Nd Littlehay road in the Florence park zone and the Modal filter at the top of Cresent road in the Temple Cowley LTN almost all of the residential traffic from these neighbourhoods will filter onto the Oxford road, a road already congested, I have made suggestions for alternative placements of these filters but have received short shrift. Councillors have replied with " we will monitor the environmental impact. But have not acknowledged my questions/ suggestions. It seems that the decision has been made and screw everyone who will be impacted negative ly. No consideration for people living on the perimeter roads."
Sohel, East Oxford
Opposition to Bus Gates:
"I am deeply concerned about the undemocratic imposition of bus gates for Oxford which will effectively cut us off from being able to reach the other side of the city by car. Older folks like us who will be badly affected because we rely on our car for so many things like staying in touch with family, shopping, seeing our doctor, hospital appointments, can't help feeling that this is being slipped through very quickly with a minimum of consultation although the effects are draconian and far reaching for so many central Oxford residents and businesses. We will have no access to the station, the bus station, our GP surgery, our church, my place of work by car, and I am a pensioner and my husband is 80 and finds public transport difficult and cycling impossible. With social distancing in force on public transport until a vaccine is found (if ever) and with my husband and I in an at risk category, it will be very difficult to use buses and we cannot stand a long time in queues (especially in bad weather). We are worried that our house price will be affected when parts of the city are segregated from the rest of the community. Residents, workers, businesses and visitors will all be hugely negatively impacted by this measure. My husband and I feel safe in our car, which is appropriate for social distancing, and much less so on public transport or on a cycle (for different reasons), which isn't really a possibility for us being old and somewhat infirm. This seems so unreasonable and cruel, as it will literally change the lives and livelihoods of so many overnight, it seems almost an act of wilful social and commercial vandalism against a community already reeling under the impact of the worst pandemic and worst recession for a century. It's utter madness and will cause more loneliness and loss of livelihood for so many Oxford citizens."
Jenny, Donnington Oxford
Opposition to LTNs:
Please also read through the Countless comments on the petitions to remove the Cowley & Littlemore LTNs - which thousands of residents have signed:
https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/end-traffic-barriers-in-littlemore-and-cowley
https://www.change.org/p/oxfordshire-county-council-remove-the-low-traffic-neighborhood-road-closures-in-oxford-cb5d7e8d-478c-4b4d-ad66-25a626e3e25d
www.change.org/p/stop-the-cowley-ltn-and-remove-the-anpr-cameras
https://www.change.org/p/remove-cowley-and-east-oxford-ltns
"LTN's are a terrible idea, I live on Barns road and as a consequence of this the road has become even more congested with traffic. I am a car user, I work a considerable distance from my home and I also care for my elderly mother so cycling is not an option for me. I walk to the local shops and use public transport when I can. I am very frustrated by the attitude that some people have that we should all get around by cycling!!! If you enjoy living on a car free street, good for you, your enjoyment of life comes at great expense to others!!"
Elizabeth, Littlemore resident
"Previously, getting to the Oxford Ring road from my house was very quick and easy. Now it takes a lot longer, and involves going through at least 2 more sets of traffic lights. It is also 0.7 miles further to the Ring road taking the shortest non-blocked off route to my house... There was NOT a traffic problem before the council created one on the roads near where I live, and I have lived here since 1999... Everyone I have spoken to (neighbours etc) is unhappy with this, 'it’s a nightmare' one neighbour said."
Anonymous, Littlemore resident
"The perimeter main roads have a speed limit of 30mph but currently cars are at a standstill and so are idling due to the LTNs. Oxford City Council states that idling cars cause 20 times more pollution than a car travelling at 32mph. So, we are seeing 20 times more pollution per car and with a gridlock of hundreds of cars we are seeing several thousand-fold more pollution! The link mentions that the lungs of children are most affected (and its clear that idling cars as a result of the LTNs are particular worse exactly when our children are walking/cycling to/from school!!)."
Anonymous, Cowley resident
"I live on Church Cowley Rd and the new LTN has already meant this road now has streaming traffic in peak hours, increased emissions, pavement parking meaning cars pulling into middle of road to get by, and speeding cars particularly at night. Meanwhile Florence park streets are dead! Why is my quality of life worth less then theirs? How is this democracy? I doubt most residents on this street filled in the consultation due to high proportion of shared housing. The recent resurfacing of this road last yr is of poor quality meaning noise levels are higher as well."
Sarah, Cowley
"I am a Temple Cowley resident. I am apposed to the LTN's for many reasons. I am disabled and have to use my car.
I am getting sick and tired of getting stuck in traffic because of the LTN's. I have two children to drop off of a morning at Tyndale and Florence Park. Hollow Way yesterday was an absolute nightmare going back down to the swan. The traffic was backed up right up to the Horspath Road junction. To get to Flo Park I had to go on the bypass to avoid this. More mileage, more petrol. All my journeys involve using Oxford Road. Get stuck behind a bus in a stop in peak time and you've had it. Traffic will not evaporate.
I think the scheme is mighty unfair on those on the main roads. Why should those in LTN benefit from traffic free roads and others have to get the brunt of it. Including myself and those who have to use vehicles."
Disabled resident, Temple Cowley
"I am totally against this experiment as I feel it will be more permanent and apart from that I feel very strongly that roadways are meant to be used, that is what they were intended for and it is an infringement of our rights to have this imposed upon the general community. I am tired of hearing individuals say that such a road is used as a 'rat run' - yes, I do see that can be the case but we need to address the issue of driving fast in residential areas."
Nora, Florence Park
"So the council thinks cutting off a whole community from essential services is a good idea. This is what is threatening the residents of Littlemore today. If these new barriers go ahead thousands of people, many disadvantaged or elderly, will not be able to travel directly to the local shops, G.P. surgerys at Temple Cowley or Hollow Way or the dentist surgery at Cowley Centre. They will be forced into making longer journeys along already congested roads which will cost them more... These local shops, banks and services provide a lifeline to the residents who would otherwise have to make long trips to other areas for essential services. For those who are infirm, disabled or elderly travelling by car is not just convenient it’s essential. Put simply it involves less walking which is important for people with limited mobility. Driving is the only means of travel to vital amenities... Another issue that needs to be addressed is social isolation. This according to the Government this is one of the most pressing public health issues in England. Staying mobile and being able to travel even short distances to shop or meet up for a coffee is seen as vital to peoples mental and physical health. For some people who live on their own the only opportunity to communicate with others is when they go shopping. So what about the alternative route? All traffic will have to come back through the village of Littlemore and travel either along Newman Road, an extremely busy road with a dangerous exit on to Rose Hill, or all the way through the village on Cowley Road... So that’s it Littlemore, you can’t go to the shops, doctors, banks or cafes and when you dare pop you head out of the door you’ll find yourselves living in an even more polluted, congested environment 24/7..."
Suzanne, Littlemore resident
"I totally agree with all the points you make and am very angry that Littlemore residents did not get the Oxon county council standard letter about their plans. It was seemingly only sent to Cowley residents although we will be hugely impacted and I'm concerned that many folk are still not aware of the implications. This scheme seems to designed for the younger fit folk who are able to walk or cycle. No concern for others who are not so able. A trip to either Drs surgery from Littlemore will be a huge challenge for the less able as there is no direct bus route, and the service we have is not adequate anyway."
Littlemore resident
"I live on Henley Avenue, which will suffer from much more traffic and noise, and reduce health and safety. I talked with 2 councillors. They call Henley Avenue 'Inner Ring' and Cornwallis "a Short Cut". One said that traffic will 'evaporate' and more traffic on Henley Avenue will be so congested it will slow down and I 'should like that'. This whole process is very biased and irresponsible, including the questionnaire."
Henley Avenue resident
"I live on the Oxford road, a road that will form a divide between the Florence park LTN and Temple Cowley LTN with the placement of the current Modal filters at the junction of Rymers lane Nd Littlehay road in the Florence park zone and the Modal filter at the top of Cresent road in the Temple Cowley LTN almost all of the residential traffic from these neighbourhoods will filter onto the Oxford road, a road already congested, I have made suggestions for alternative placements of these filters but have received short shrift. Councillors have replied with " we will monitor the environmental impact. But have not acknowledged my questions/ suggestions. It seems that the decision has been made and screw everyone who will be impacted negative ly. No consideration for people living on the perimeter roads."
Sohel, East Oxford
Opposition to Bus Gates:
"I am deeply concerned about the undemocratic imposition of bus gates for Oxford which will effectively cut us off from being able to reach the other side of the city by car. Older folks like us who will be badly affected because we rely on our car for so many things like staying in touch with family, shopping, seeing our doctor, hospital appointments, can't help feeling that this is being slipped through very quickly with a minimum of consultation although the effects are draconian and far reaching for so many central Oxford residents and businesses. We will have no access to the station, the bus station, our GP surgery, our church, my place of work by car, and I am a pensioner and my husband is 80 and finds public transport difficult and cycling impossible. With social distancing in force on public transport until a vaccine is found (if ever) and with my husband and I in an at risk category, it will be very difficult to use buses and we cannot stand a long time in queues (especially in bad weather). We are worried that our house price will be affected when parts of the city are segregated from the rest of the community. Residents, workers, businesses and visitors will all be hugely negatively impacted by this measure. My husband and I feel safe in our car, which is appropriate for social distancing, and much less so on public transport or on a cycle (for different reasons), which isn't really a possibility for us being old and somewhat infirm. This seems so unreasonable and cruel, as it will literally change the lives and livelihoods of so many overnight, it seems almost an act of wilful social and commercial vandalism against a community already reeling under the impact of the worst pandemic and worst recession for a century. It's utter madness and will cause more loneliness and loss of livelihood for so many Oxford citizens."
Jenny, Donnington Oxford
"I agree with your campaign totally. Living off the Banbury Rd I am sure the traffic will be much heavier there as the new bus gates are introduced. Banbury and Woodstock Roads will have to be used to travel from the city centre to Botley/Botley Road. And the ring road, already busy at peak times especially, will be needlessly clogged as a consequence. In my lifetime all anti car changes to Oxford roads have made matters worse but this is the most stupid change of all."
Martin, North Oxford
Martin, North Oxford
"I have been complaining about this silly council playing russian roulette with our lives for some time and fully support you in your efforts to stop them closing Oxford city centre and destroying any businesses and jobs throughout Oxford city centre and life as we know it in the surrounding areas. If they were really against pollution they would be letting Electric vehicles through, but no, they want to stop All vehicles. They even propose bus gates across roads where there is no bus service!"
Anthony, Oxford
Anthony, Oxford
"These are ridiculous and unnecessary alterations. We already struggle as residents of the city to move around, commute to work, shop for groceries....... Why are being subjected to decades more of increased misery!?"
Anonymous, Oxford
Anonymous, Oxford
"I think these bus gates are an absolutely stupid idea, they certainly are not thinking of the public as a whole, especially vulnerable and infirm people who rely on their cars. Not everyone can get on a bus or get on a bike. Therefore I think it is a stupid idea and these bus gates are just ludicrous and will also stop businesses from performing. And if people can't visit their family and friends, lot's of elderly vulnerable people are going to be very isolated."
Liz, Oxford
Liz, Oxford
“I live in North Summertown and use a dentist in Iffley. I am 84 years old. The journey by car takes me about 20 minutes but if I have to use the ring road would take about 40 minutes, causing more pollution, otherwise need two buses and quite a walk along the High Street. And living not too far from the ring road, the thought of increased traffic noise and pollution is an appalling thought.”
Anonymous, North Oxford
Anonymous, North Oxford
"what a dreadful idea. With congestion on the A34 and Botley roads the way it is already, one collision is going to shutdown travel completely.
I understand the people in charge think buses and bikes are better than cars but that's such a stupid narrow minded attitude when they have so little provision for cars around the city. The very fact that park and ride went from cheap and useful to, we can make money on this, so quickly shows up their shallow thinking. Just one more reason to stop bothering going to Oxford."
Anonymous
I understand the people in charge think buses and bikes are better than cars but that's such a stupid narrow minded attitude when they have so little provision for cars around the city. The very fact that park and ride went from cheap and useful to, we can make money on this, so quickly shows up their shallow thinking. Just one more reason to stop bothering going to Oxford."
Anonymous
"For goodness sake, do not allow the bus gates. They must not be put up, on all the extra places in Oxford. It would cause a catastrophe for all the roads and traffic around Oxford."
Theresa, Oxford
Theresa, Oxford
"Yet again, more lame brain ideas to keep people out of Oxford. There is no through flow to help traffic get around the city. It does not help businesses in the Westgate by driving away the people who keep them running. Maybe at every entrance to the city you could just let bus's and bikes in. Then see how quickly it will become a ghost town. Instead of closing roads off you should be looking at ways to make traffic flow smoother. Start by sorting out traffic light timings which are a total disgrace!! I've lived in Oxford all my life and avoid the place like the plague, plus i couldn't afford the parking prices anyway..."
Robin, Oxford
Robin, Oxford
"This scheme is ABSOLUTELY BONKERS! For temporary/experimental read permanent - they've already made the decision
It splits the city East-West to traffic as I understand the proposal. (It will happen for me with the LEZ, but this is different).
They have already killed a significant proportion of footfall to retailers in Walton St. with that road block. This plan is supposed to increase trade in the city? It will leave it to tourists only, I will be shopping on-line or at CMK where you can access shops directly.
The Idiots that proposed this scheme and all City council employees should be mandated to give up their in-town parking and use the P&R scheme only. Let them "eat their own dog food"!!"
Martin, Oxford
It splits the city East-West to traffic as I understand the proposal. (It will happen for me with the LEZ, but this is different).
They have already killed a significant proportion of footfall to retailers in Walton St. with that road block. This plan is supposed to increase trade in the city? It will leave it to tourists only, I will be shopping on-line or at CMK where you can access shops directly.
The Idiots that proposed this scheme and all City council employees should be mandated to give up their in-town parking and use the P&R scheme only. Let them "eat their own dog food"!!"
Martin, Oxford
"How to kill a city in one foul swoop. Businesses will struggle to receive deliveries and make deliveries. As a window cleaner whose work is mostly around the city I need access to all parts of the city centre. If I have to do half a lap of the ring road to go from one side of the city centre to the other side then it’s going to cost me so much more in time and money to service my customers.
The biggest worry though is how much work that I will lose because of all the shop closures that this will inevitable cause, because shopping in Oxford would be so unappealing for people who travel to the city by car that they will go to car friendly places.
The council really haven’t got a clue how much damage this is going to have for all businesses in the city, not to mention the congestion on an already busy ring road. If there’s an accident on any part of the ring road then I predict gridlock. Absolute madness."
Simon, Oxford
The biggest worry though is how much work that I will lose because of all the shop closures that this will inevitable cause, because shopping in Oxford would be so unappealing for people who travel to the city by car that they will go to car friendly places.
The council really haven’t got a clue how much damage this is going to have for all businesses in the city, not to mention the congestion on an already busy ring road. If there’s an accident on any part of the ring road then I predict gridlock. Absolute madness."
Simon, Oxford
"A disaster for the local business community; for the environment of narrow roads used as 'rat-runs; an increased use of cars (with resulting pollution) to go from a quick trip of 5 minutes (for us) to the station to ...well who knows how long once the Woodstock Road clogs up and the ring road is at a stand-still due to another accident. Absolutely dreadful prospect. Will house prices go down because access to the rest of the city becomes so hard?"
Oxford Resident
Oxford Resident
"The bus gate proposals should be abandoned. They cut Jericho off from West Oxford, from reaching the city centre easily, from reaching the rail and bus stations, segregate and isolate Jericho, and negatively impact Walton Street traders. Jericho is a wonderful place to live and the Walton Street traders have supported us all through the lockdown by ensuring essential supplies are available, as well as helping to create our community on a daily basis, year round. Cycling and walking are wonderful for pleasure, but access to the city and Botley Road needs to be freely available by car. (Not to mention that travelling by bus is not a welcome option during a pandemic, which would put all travellers amongst other passengers they wouldn't normally be in contact with!) Oxford city centre is not a museum - it is a city we all need to use, and use in different ways at different times of the day. Also, Walton Street should be opened up and the hideous red and white 'temporary' gates removed."
Janet, Jericho
Janet, Jericho
"The proposed bus gate on Hythe Bridge Street will be a devastating blow to our business. We are already suffering from the effects of the COVID lockdown. To limit and put off people from coming to the City Centre will only put more strain on all businesses. I don't see how dividing the City will help congestion or the environment, it is only pushing these problems to another area. If this bus gate is put in, it will be the end of our business and loss of jobs for all our staff."
Restaurant owner, Central Oxford
"I live in West Oxford with two young children. My eldest (age 6) is autistic and I rely heavily on family in North Oxford for support. It is not possible to walk or cycle the required 2+ mile round trip every day as my child frequently has severe meltdowns when out and about due to his condition. I cannot afford to use taxis every day and we would have to walk for 15+ minutes from our home just to get a direct bus. I do not have the luxury of flexible working hours so I do not know how I am now going to manage our daily routine without being able to use the car. Worrying about the negative impact on my children and my employment is already having an adverse effect on my mental health. I've always paid my council tax yet I feel I'm being marginalised and further isolated by a council who denies its citizens their right to meaningful consultation and democratic process.
We all want cleaner air - my children is asthmatic so I understand the importance of cutting emissions only too well. However, without investment in better public transport, park & ride facilities, etc, these ill-considered plans will simply funnel pollution to a different part of the city. They will also severely disadvantage many of Oxford's residents , cutting them off from friends, family, amenities and other support, while failing to tackle the main cause of the problem, which is the huge volume of shoppers and workers commuting into the centre, where parking remains relatively inexpensive (e.g. Westgate, Oxpens). Their plans are not only poorly conceived but highly discriminatory."
Pip, West Oxford
Restaurant owner, Central Oxford
"I live in West Oxford with two young children. My eldest (age 6) is autistic and I rely heavily on family in North Oxford for support. It is not possible to walk or cycle the required 2+ mile round trip every day as my child frequently has severe meltdowns when out and about due to his condition. I cannot afford to use taxis every day and we would have to walk for 15+ minutes from our home just to get a direct bus. I do not have the luxury of flexible working hours so I do not know how I am now going to manage our daily routine without being able to use the car. Worrying about the negative impact on my children and my employment is already having an adverse effect on my mental health. I've always paid my council tax yet I feel I'm being marginalised and further isolated by a council who denies its citizens their right to meaningful consultation and democratic process.
We all want cleaner air - my children is asthmatic so I understand the importance of cutting emissions only too well. However, without investment in better public transport, park & ride facilities, etc, these ill-considered plans will simply funnel pollution to a different part of the city. They will also severely disadvantage many of Oxford's residents , cutting them off from friends, family, amenities and other support, while failing to tackle the main cause of the problem, which is the huge volume of shoppers and workers commuting into the centre, where parking remains relatively inexpensive (e.g. Westgate, Oxpens). Their plans are not only poorly conceived but highly discriminatory."
Pip, West Oxford
"I live on the Waterside development just off Rutherway and have just heard about the imminence of the busgate. I am 78, arthritic with a hip implant,and my husband is 80. We are not safe on a bicycle There is no available bus service so we are dependent on our car. It appears that our lives will be. ruined overnight.
I am sure we are not the only old people in the neighbourhood, not yet eligible for a blue badge , for whom the daytime closure of Hythe Bridge Street will be a disaster. Closure of Parks Road will cut us off from the only sensible route to the NHS physiotherapy centre in Manzil Way. We cannot afford to travel around Oxford by taxi.
Like many old people we do not have a facebook connection and are not kept informed of potential changes which affect us more than others."
Anonymous, Waterways
I am sure we are not the only old people in the neighbourhood, not yet eligible for a blue badge , for whom the daytime closure of Hythe Bridge Street will be a disaster. Closure of Parks Road will cut us off from the only sensible route to the NHS physiotherapy centre in Manzil Way. We cannot afford to travel around Oxford by taxi.
Like many old people we do not have a facebook connection and are not kept informed of potential changes which affect us more than others."
Anonymous, Waterways
"We are a local IT business, based on Littlemore Road in Cowley. We service many businesses in the centre of town, including retail and hospitality. These businesses especially have been very severly hit by Covid.
There is no way we will be able to economically service these businesses if we have to go around the ring road every time we need to visit them. We will have to increase our prices to take account of the much greater drive times, and in the worst case scenario, we will have to increase our prices extremely sharply to allow out-of-hours working and deliveries.
To deliberately announce this death-blow to local commerce during the worst crisis the UK has seen in 75 years shows such a complete lack of understanding of, or active malice toward, economic reality, and is a breathtaking move on the part of the councils. How can they care so little?"
Justin, Cowley
There is no way we will be able to economically service these businesses if we have to go around the ring road every time we need to visit them. We will have to increase our prices to take account of the much greater drive times, and in the worst case scenario, we will have to increase our prices extremely sharply to allow out-of-hours working and deliveries.
To deliberately announce this death-blow to local commerce during the worst crisis the UK has seen in 75 years shows such a complete lack of understanding of, or active malice toward, economic reality, and is a breathtaking move on the part of the councils. How can they care so little?"
Justin, Cowley
Views from all major leading Oxford Business Groups - representing thousands of people's jobs and livelihoods - who all agree that the Bus Gates proposals will be disastrous for trade in Oxford:
The OHSA, representing hundreds of businesses in the City Centre: oxfordhsa.co.uk/bus-gates-our-views
The JTA, representing dozens of businesses in Jericho: jerichoconnections.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/0/8/130876256/jc-business-impact-analysis.pdf
The Mogford Group: reconnectingoxford.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/2/9/132946450/letter_-_jeremy_mogford.pdf
The OHSA, representing hundreds of businesses in the City Centre: oxfordhsa.co.uk/bus-gates-our-views
The JTA, representing dozens of businesses in Jericho: jerichoconnections.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/0/8/130876256/jc-business-impact-analysis.pdf
The Mogford Group: reconnectingoxford.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/2/9/132946450/letter_-_jeremy_mogford.pdf