A SNAPSHOT survey of revamped Frideswide Square has found bus drivers the most courteous when dealing with other road users.

But the Oxford Pedestrians’ Association study discovered some car drivers are still inconsiderate when sharing space.

The new £6.7m design features roundabouts at either end and works on a principle of road users, pedestrians and cyclists sharing the space without having to rely on traffic lights.

Chairwoman of Oxford Pedestrians’ Association, Sushila Dhall, said the survey was conducted on January 21 by pedestrians, and one wheelchair user, to test the crossing points and “permeability” of the square.

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She said: “Bus drivers without exception were courteous but we noticed that some drivers hooted at cyclists outside the Royal Oxford Hotel simply because they wanted to go faster.

“The survey was conducted at about 3pm so it wasn’t during the rush hour.

“Overall, it’s a much more attractive design but the main problem is for pedestrians who can’t catch the eye of drivers – there is certainly room for motorists to be more courteous.”

A report to members of the association added: “There is no doubt that for most people it is both more attractive and more convenient without the lights, pedestrian-deterrent fencing, and multiple traffic lanes that characterised the previous incarnation.

“The premise underlying the design is that with lower speeds and no signs or lights, drivers will be more courteous, so that cyclists and pedestrians will be able to use the square in safety.

“In the event, those who stood out for their courtesy were the bus drivers, every one of whom slowed or stopped to allow the wheelchair user and people on foot a safe crossing.

“However, only a third of car drivers were this considerate.

“Most drove straight past a man in a wheelchair waiting to cross.

“Only when we stepped out in front of them did most drivers stop.

“The busiest route, Hythe Bridge Street, was where drivers behaved the worst.

“Even when moving slowly or completely paused, most vehicles moved on to the crossing area rather than give us the few seconds needed to cross.”

Ms Dhall added that during the short survey association members witnessed three car drivers in the square “aggressively” blaring their horns at cyclists they wanted to overtake on the roundabout in front of the hotel.

She said: “We appreciated the courtesy shown by the bus drivers, and wonder how to teach good manners to other drivers, for the safety, convenience and enjoyment of our beautiful new square.”

Labour city councillor Colin Cook said: “It’s a lot better going through the square now on a bike but I have been hooted at by a taxi driver trying to overtake me so there is still room for drivers to show more courtesy and respect for other road users.”

The county council’s cabinet member for transport David Nimmo Smith said: “If pedestrians look as if they want to cross then drivers will stop.

“For the shared space to work pedestrians have to convince drivers they are about to cross, but there is always room for drivers to be more courteous.”