The East Oxford Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) have been controversial since they were implemented, with vandals taking it into their own hands to make their stance known.
Since they were installed as part of a six-month trial on May 20 around Divinity Road, St Clement's and St Mary's, the LTNs have divided opinions in the East Oxford community.
Certain individuals who are against the LTNs have repeated vandalised the planters and bollards which are used to stop traffic by knocking them down, pulling them out and, in one case, even melting the metal.
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The destructive behaviour has provoked strong reaction from both sides with residents and politicians alike criticising the vandalism, whole others have said the actions simply represent the feelings of those being ‘ignored’ by the county council.
This is everything you need to know about the vandalism:
Where have the attacks happened?
Temple Street
The first act of vandalism happened less than 24 hours after the LTNs were installed.
A bollard which had been standing on Temple Street, off Cowley Road, by the Nandos was knocked down and then placed in the adjacent planters.
Princess Street
On the evening of May 22, an image was shared of the LTN on Princes Street, with the bollard nowhere to be seen.
It appeared that the vandals responsible for the removal had not just knocked it down but stolen it as well.
Bullingdon Road
Less than three days into the trial, another bollard was smashed down.
It had only been one full weekend from when the LTN barriers were put up but a photo was shared of the bollard in Bullingdon Road smashed out of place and left in the middle of the nearby road.
Howard Street and Barnet Street
At the beginning of July, two bollards were allegedly set on fire overnight.
Images taken in Howard Street show the damaged bollard melted and out of shape.
Vehicles were unable to pass over the arson-damaged bollards due to the melted metal scratching the underside of the vehicles.
How much has it cost to repair the LTNs?
In the middle of June, Oxfordshire County Council revealed it had spend a huge £12,000 repairing the LTNs in East Oxford.
A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: "We are responding to a number of reports of vandalism impacting the trial east Oxford LTNs – mostly relating to bollards which have been knocked down or pulled from the ground.
"At present, we are focusing on replacing bollards on Leopold Street, Rectory Road, Southfield Road and Divinity Road.
"This damage is obviously something we take very seriously, as it presents a significant safety risk to road users, pedestrians and cyclists alike.
"We remain committed to making safe and reinstating damaged filters, each time at significant cost to the taxpayer. Since May 20, when they were originally installed, this amounts to almost £12,000.
"We would once again encourage everyone who wishes to express an opinion on the measures to do so by responding to the council's public consultation at letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/east-oxford-ltns-2022.”
What have councillors and polcie said?
Councillor Andrew Gant, cabinet member for highways management, said: “The safety of everyone using and living on these roads is our utmost priority. The damage that has been done has not only created confusion and increased the risk of traffic incidents, but it may also prevent emergency services being able to gain access if the mechanisms allowing the bollards to be lowered are impacted.
“Vandalism of this kind is a serious criminal offence and I would urge anyone who is thinking of damaging any of these filters to think twice.
“I understand that some community members are voluntarily creating human barriers to vehicles trying to enter LTN areas through damaged filters. But I would again urge that people are mindful of their own safety and wait for bollards to be restored where they have been removed.
“We are committed to listening to all views on these experimental measures and the right way to make your voice heard is to take part in our public consultation. We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to voice their views on these trial measures, which cannot be implemented without engagement with those affected.”
Independent city councillor for Temple Cowley, Sajjad Malik believes the LTNs are a “waste of the taxpayers money” but said “arson is a step too far”.
“It’s absolutely not acceptable,” he said. “It’s not the way, even if you don’t like the LTNs. Arson is going a step too far.
“That should be condemned at the highest level and I hope the culprit is caught. We can all have a different opinion but you shouldn’t put others at risk.”
Councillor Damian Haywood, who represents the Iffley Fields and St Mary's Wards, said the council will “not be intimidated” by the vandalism and hopes to install CCTV in impacted areas.
“I’m really concerned,” he said. “It’s all well and good for people to express their concerns but I’m upset people are resorting to this level of violence.
“It’s causing potential harm to the area and surrounding buildings and it could have a great impact.
“Residents were upset by the vandalism of course but this new level is making them really afraid – what’s next? Removing bollards is one thing but now we have fearful residents
“We’ve involved Thames Valley Police and I’ve spoken to my colleagues about how to take this forward but it’s absolutely another level which is completely unacceptable.”
Amir Steve Ali - who stood as an independent candidate for St Clement’s – took a photograph of the very first act of vandalism.
He said: "People are angry. The only time people get angry is when people feel there is an injustice that has been done to them.
"People feel like they have no choice but to take action into their own hands. The traffic situation is a total nightmare at the moment.
"But it's not the right way of doing things. You have to solve problems by acting by the rule book."
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “Officers are aware of the vandalism and other issues relating to the Lower Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Oxford and are investigating all reports.
“We are also supporting Oxfordshire County Council to find solutions to the problems.
“We would encourage anyone with information about any criminality relating to the LTNs should report it to us by calling 101 or by making a report on our website.
“Alternatively, to provide information completely anonymously, contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
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Read more from this author
This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.
You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry
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