Oxford East MP reacts to LTN decision in constituency

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, the Labour MP praised the decision to switch out some bollards for automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

But she said more should have been done to improve bus travel before the controversial traffic calming measures were made permanent in East Oxford.

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Oxfordshire County Council has decided to keep the LTNs in Divinity Road, St Mary’s and St Clement’s which were introduced on a trial basis in May 2022.

The decision earlier this month prompted backlash from some business owners and councillors who claim the measures reduce footfall and increase traffic.

Mrs Dodds previously refuted claims from traders and homeowners that she had “failed” to engage with their concerns over LTNs.

She said: “I’ve always sought to represent all my constituent’s views on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.

“In the areas where they’ve been made permanent, there are a range of views and I hear from all of them.

“I have people corresponding with me very regularly.

“My view has always been that it’s critical for people to have an alternative available to them if driving is going to be made harder.

“That’s why from the very beginning I’ve argued there needed to be more support for the buses and that alternative needed to be there.

“I think that should have been reflected in the sequencing of these measures.

“That we should have fixed the buses first and then we could have decided on other things we wanted to do.”

Three coach companies have claimed that LTNs in east Oxford have severely “jeopardised” public transport. (Image: Photo: Oxford Mail)

Three coach companies have claimed that LTNs in East Oxford have severely “jeopardised” public transport.

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A joint report by Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Stagecoach West said the measures had caused “chronic” gridlock on some roads.

The county council claimed bus journey would improve once traffic filters were introduced, which is expected to happen in October 2024.

Mrs Dodds said the council made a “good decision” to replace the physical closures in Divinity Road, James Street and Magdalen Road with ANPR cameras.

She said: “That’s something a lot of my constituents support because if there’s a big blockage in one of the roads, and it means the LTN road has to be opened up… you can do that with ANPR, you can’t do that with a physical bollard to the same extent.”

“It also means there is more enforcement around things were there is anti-social motorbike use…

“You’ve got a range of different view on LTNs, even on the same street… negative and positive, you’ve got both.”