RESIDENTS have erupted in outrage at the roll-out of new 'Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods' in their area, amid claims that one of the new roadblocks stopped an ambulance with blue flashing lights getting to its destination.

The LTNs were implemented by Oxfordshire County Council in Church Cowley, Temple Cowley, and Florence Park last Monday as part of six-month trial.

Some people are now furious about the 'chaos' they say the scheme caused over the weekend.

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Locals say that a lack of signs telling people of alternative routes caused problems for emergency services and delivery drivers.

City councillor for Cowley David Henwood told the Oxford Mail: "On the weekend an ambulance with flashing blue lights was unable to pass through the planters and had to reverse away and find a different route.

"The emergency services on the ground were clearly unaware of the changes, which reflects poor communication.

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"In principle, I am in favour of the scheme but not naive enough to realise the scheme does need tweaking."

Mr Henwood has now arranged several public online meetings over the coming weeks for residents to talk about the matter.

The first meeting will take place next Thursday between 7pm and 8.30pm on Google Meet.

Anyone wanting to attend the meeting is asked to email david@cowley.news or cllrdhenwood@oxford.gov.uk

A spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council said the majority of the over 1,000 residents who responded to the schemes consultation survey reacted positively.

They added:“Oxfordshire County Council consulted on the LTN in Church Cowley, Florence Park and Temple Cowley in December 2020.

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“All statutory consultees including the emergency services were informed of the plans for the LTN in the Cowley area.

"An LTN is an area where motor traffic is prevented from taking short cuts through a residential area by traffic blocks.

“This creates quieter streets where residents can feel safer and more comfortable when making local journeys by bus, bike or on foot as we recover from the pandemic and into the future.

“LTNs also offer a real chance for residents to adopt active, green lifestyles.”

If residents, businesses or visitors would like further information or to comment on the open consultation, the council invites responses to the consultation at this link:

https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/Cowley_ExperimentalLowTraffic/consultationHome

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