CONSERVATIVES are united in their opposition to low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Oxford, says a councillor after meeting with businesses impacted by the divisive scheme.
Liam Walker, Oxfordshire County Council’s shadow cabinet member for highway management, met with traders in St Clement’s to discuss the effect of LTNs.
Although it was a Tory administration which brought in LTNs, Mr Walker said the Conservatives would’ve taken heed from the consultation exercises.
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After a whistle-stop tour of St Clement’s, Mr Walker told the Oxford Mail: “I think the first thing is the impact on local businesses – people who have battled a global pandemic to get back on their feet.
“All three businesses we spoke to have seen a dramatic decline in business.
“If this anti-car agenda continues, more businesses will move out, which is to the detriment of Oxford.
“These things are really impacting people.”
On the Conservative stance on LTNs, Mr Walker added: “We have perhaps one person in our group who’s for the LTNs.
“I acknowledge we started the LTNs in the previous administration, I don’t shy away from that.
“The consultations have shown it hasn’t worked though, so we’d have gone back to the drawing board.”
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Mr Walker outlined what the party will do, saying cutting the funding from central Government is ‘key’.
“We can lobby the Government on it – we have a transport minister in West Oxfordshire [Robert Courts],” said Mr Walker.
“We’ll look at bringing stuff for scrutiny committees and putting motions to the council.”
Amy Russell, from St Clement’s barbers HIM (Hair and Image for Men), said the shop has been forced to change its opening time from 9am to 9.30am due to increased traffic.
“There’s quite a bit of traffic so it now takes an extra half an hour to get to work in the morning,” she said.
“The build-up of traffic means people are saying they just can’t get here, so we’re losing customers.
“Customers are finding alternative barber shops.
“I’m not anti-LTN but I’m not pro-LTN either, although I see the pros.”
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The owners of the popular La Cucina and Cuttlefish restaurants estimate they have lost 50 per cent of their trade.
Alberto Brunelli said: “It’s a worry. I think all the restaurants here are in the same boat.
“We’re doing a lot less takeaways – during lockdown it was a big part of our business.”
“People walk in the door already upset – it’s become so congested with a big increase in traffic,” added Yola Drage.
Raj Khatri, owner of Oxford Off Licence, says his business has seen a 25 per cent loss in custom.
“It’s not been good for business and there’s been a loss in trade,” he said.
“More cars mean there’s more dust on the windows to clean.”
Read more from this author
This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.
Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice
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