HIGHWAYS bosses have parked their plans for new bus gates in Oxford until October.
Two new bus-only lanes are planned in the city centre as part of post-lockdown changes to encourage people to take up walking, cycling or riding the bus instead of driving.
The first is proposed in Hythe Bridge Street or Worcester Street, between Frideswide Square and Beaumont Street; the second on St Cross Road or South Parks Road, between Parks Road and Manor Road.
The camera-enforced gates restricting ordinary traffic could have been introduced next month but county council bosses say a decision now won’t be taken until October.
READ AGAIN: Car blows up near supermarket
There were more than 7,000 responses from Oxfordshire residents, employers, businesses and other organisations to the proposals in an ‘engagement survey’.
The responses to the survey are now being analysed and will inform the detailed proposal about the scheme including the specific location of the bus gates, timings and exemptions.
The survey responses and the response to formal stakeholder consultation in September will be considered by the Cabinet of the County Council in October 2020 when decisions on whether and how to go ahead with the project will be taken.
READ AGAIN: Inquest opens into death of milkman
Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment, Oxfordshire County Council said: “We value the feedback which will now be analysed and a cabinet decision taken in October.”
City council deputy leader Tom Hayes added: “The discussion has shown a universal desire to improve our local transport system and find ways to prevent our narrow city centre streets getting clogged up by stop-go traffic.
READ MORE: Child sex abuse reports in Thames Valley rise 50 per cent
"Now is the time for the councils to consider every response.”
Hotelier Jeremy Mogford, who has opposed the plans with other traders, said: “We are glad that the city council bus gate proposal is being afforded the appropriate length of time for proper and intelligent consideration.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel