A 24-year-old motorist has been arrested after a car was stuck at the pedestrian walkway overnight near Oxford railway station.

Pedestrians have been using a narrow walkway to get past the ongoing works at the rail bridge that has seen Botley Road closed for over a year.

The £161m scheme to upgrade the city's rail station, which started in April 2023, has meant there has been no vehicle access into and out of the city centre via Botley Road.

READ MORE: Man arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after BMW stuck 

People were blocked off by the car with one eyewitness saying he came across the obstacle on his way to work at around 4am.

Police were called to Botley Road at around 3.30am today (Sunday, July 7) to reports of a man who had driven down the walkway.

A 24-year-old man from Charlbury has been arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle dangerously and driving a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit.

He remains in police custody at this time.

The car was towed away from the walkway at around 11.45am.

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran said: “I am aware there is a car stuck in the pedestrian tunnel connecting the Botley Road to Frideswide Square.

A BMW stuck in Botley Road after driving down the walkway near the train station works A BMW stuck in Botley Road after driving down the walkway near the train station works (Image: Contributed)

“While the authorities are working to free it I am worried about access for those with mobility issues.

“I’ve asked for more information and one of my team is going to look now.”

"My advice is if you need to get to town or the station from the west leave extra time or go around the ring road if driving," Ms Moran said.

The Liberal Democrat also warned pedestrians there is access for those able via another route with stairs and there is an entrance open along Roger Dudman Way that leads to lifts.

She said this is "not ideal".

Ms Moran added after the car had been towed away: "Thanks to the staff who have done their best in this situation. 

"As to the cause of the disruption -this is now rightly a matter for the police."

Botley Road is scheduled to reopen at the rail bridge on October 24.

Network Rail has been contacted.