A legal challenge against six new bus gates for Oxford - otherwise known as traffic filters - is a 'last resort', according to hotelier Jeremy Mogford.
The founding member of Oxford Business Action Group has launched a fundraising drive to cover the cost of a legal bid to overturn the county council's proposal to introduce six new traffic filters in the city.
The council's cabinet is set to vote on the issue on Tuesday.
READ AGAIN: Council alters traffic filter proposals
Councillors are being advised that the bus gates will not be introduced in 2023, during the period when the Botley Road will be closed at the rail bridge for Network Rail station improvements.
The legal challenge is being led by Mr Mogford's hospitality group The Oxford Collection, which has joined up with local organisations: Oxford Business Action Group (OBAG), Oxford High Street Association (OHSA), ROX (Backing Oxford Business), Reconnecting Oxford, Jericho Traders, and Summertown traders.
Mr Mogford said: "We have served the county council notice that we are seeking a judicial review - it's a last resort.
"There is pressure to push these measures through in unseemly haste.
"The traffic filters are being bulldozed through at the expense of business, culture, and the image of the city.
"They are all threatened by these crude measures.
"Congestion could be solved by adjusting traffic lights, road layout, and accepting there is congestion at certain times."
READ AGAIN: Anger after councillor says traffic filters are going to happen
Mr Mogford added that he thought it was 'outrageous' to spend £3m on six new camera-enforced traffic filters.
He said: "I hope councillors act as individuals and vote to drop this idea."
The fundraising campaign for the legal challenge aims to reach a target of £80,000.
Mr Mogford said positive feedback for the legal challenge was also coming from residents living in Oxford's 'hinterlands'.
"Those on the fringes will cop it if they come into the city for a concert, or to do some shopping.
"They will be faced with these road closures and will not be eligible for any exemptions to the traffic filters."
If approved, the six number plate recognition cameras will be on St Cross Road, Thames Street, St Clements, Hythe Bridge Street, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way allowing only permit holders to use busy routes.
Changes are being made to the bus gates proposals after 5,700 people gave their views in a consultation.
The county council says the traffic filters - like the one in Oxford High Street - will reduce traffic, make bus journeys faster and make walking and cycling safer.
Following the consultation, a number of amendments are being made to initial proposals.
This includes traffic filters on Hollow Way and Marston Ferry Road operating at peak times only from 7am until 9am, and from 3pm until 6pm Monday to Saturday.
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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