Anger vented as East Oxford LTNs made permanent by council

The controversial traffic calming measures, which have been trialled since May 2022, will be continued in in Divinity Road, St Mary’s and St Clement’s.

Yesterday's decision by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet comes despite criticism of LTNs from householders, business owners, and some councillors.

READ MORE: Co-op warns that East Oxford LTNs affect city stores

Hundreds of protestors gathered outside County Hall in the morning, and many also attended the meeting, with security guards forced to limit numbers when the room became full.

More than 30 people were registered to speak with the meeting lasting over three hours.

Alexandra West, bursar of Magdalen College School, said the LTNs were making it difficult to recruit staff, and restaurateur Clinton Pugh said he had noticed “a huge decline in business” on Cowley Road.

Clinton Pugh has put a large banner outside his business (Image: Albert Tait)But others argued for the LTNs, with James Schumann of Divinity Road Area Residents Association claiming more children were cycling and walking as a result of the scheme.

City councillor Chris Jarvis, leader of the authority's Green group, argued streets were now more sociable because of LTNs.

The meeting had a rowdy atmosphere, with council leader Liz Leffman threatening to stop proceedings if people continued to shout out while speeches were being made.

After listening to the speeches, the cabinet of Liberal Democrat councillors took a half-hour break before voting to keep the LTNs, in line with officer recommendations.

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will replace bollards in Divinity Road, James Street and Magdalen Road to allow emergency services and taxis through.

Speaking just before the final decision, highways chief Andrew Gant said LTNs provided a better travel alternative for the people of Oxford.

READ MORE: Oxford school says LTNs causing teachers to resign

But Tory councillor Liam Walker, who is shadow highways chief, told the Oxford Mail that the decision was a “kick in the teeth.”

“I’m not surprised they are sticking to their guns as they continue this anti-motorist agenda they are pushing on the city,” he said.

Mr Pugh, whose daughter is the actress Florence Pugh, said he was now “very much worried” for his restaurants, Cafe Coco and Kazbar.

However, Mr Gant said the city should not revert to how it was before LTNs were introduced.

He said: “It is about giving people options and choices, and the ambition for everybody to get in their own car has run its course because the roads are full…

“Going back is not realistic. There are plenty of us here who remember what Divinity Road was like with cars parked on both sides and cars trying to go in both directions…

“Our job as a highways authority is to give people alternatives which are better for Oxford as a city and the individuals who are making those choices.”