A SCHEME to get people walking and cycling has been fast-tracked in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Oxfordshire County Council has fast-tracked a scheme at Chilton Road in Upton near Didcot to make it easier for people to walk and cycle in the area.

The temporary scheme, which will provide more space for people to walk, wheel and cycle and restrict access for motor vehicles, has been introduced using the UK Government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund.

The council is working with walking and cycling charity Sustrans to find a permanent solution to the high volumes and speed of motor traffic on this section of the National Cycle Network.

Chilton Road - a section of the National Cycle Network route 544- was highlighted by Sustrans as a priority for improvement during its Paths for Everyone review in 2018.

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In 2019 the charity was awarded £177,000 by the Department for Transport with the aim of reducing traffic speeds and volumes on the busy road.

Oxfordshire County Council is currently using a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order and water-filled barriers to close the road to motor vehicles.

The funding from 2019 will enable permanent measures to be put in place.

Sustrans will continue to work with the council and local community to consult on proposals for a permanent solution to helping more people walk and cycle.

The charity hopes the funding will make it easier and safer for people to use active modes of travel to reach the nearby Harwell Campus for work. It will also enable people to enjoy the route for leisure purposes.

Currently many are put off by the fast-moving traffic on the short section of Route 544 that runs on the road.

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James Cleeton, Sustrans director for the south of England, said: “We’ve worked with Oxfordshire County Council and local residents since 2019 to find solutions to make it easier and safer for people to use this section of the National Cycle Network. So, we’re pleased to see the council fast-tracking parts of this project.

“Closing the road to general traffic enables people walking, wheeling, and cycling to socially distance and get regular exercise. It will also improve road safety on this part of Route 544.

“The temporary scheme will help us gain valuable feedback as we consider the longer-term interventions on this road.

“We want to ensure Chilton Road is a safe section of the National Cycle Network, which everyone can enjoy, in line with our vision of Paths for Everyone.”