Traffic lights could be removed to improve safety at a junction where a cyclist was run over by a refuse truck.

Oxford University student Tsz Fok, 22, was crushed to death under the wheels of the truck at the junction of Broad Street and Parks Road, in Oxford, last April.

Oxfordshire County Council is now considering removing the traffic lights and raising the road surface to be level with the footpath, to try to make drivers, cyclists and pedestrians more aware of each other.

Last week, a judge found truck driver Trevor Ashworth, 31, guilty of careless driving - but partly blamed Mr Fok for not giving way to the refuse truck.

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, cabinet member for transport, said the plans for the junction were not a "knee-jerk" reaction.

He said: "By removing the traffic lights and street clutter, cyclists and drivers will be more thoughtful when they head towards the junction.

"The general public may think getting rid of the traffic lights reduces safety - but it is the reverse."

Tony Kirkwood, of the council's road safety engineering team, said traffic through the junction had reduced significantly since road layout changes in 1999.

He said: "There now appears to be scope to enhance conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, which also ties in with aspirations for environmental enhancements in Broad Street."

The idea has been backed by cycling organisation, Cyclox. Spokesman James Styring said: "By raising the middle of the road up to the level of the pavement, it will let the drivers know it is a shared space for cars, pedestrians and cyclists.

"It would make drivers feel like they are driving over a pavement and they will slow down. It will make it safer and easier to use."

Truck driver Ashworth, of Theale in Berkshire, was found guilty of careless driving at Wantage Magistrates' Court last week and fined £500.

Mr Fok's friend, Htun Aye, said he hoped to show the plans to his parents.

He added: "It will be interesting to see what happens."

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