Oxford roads painted red in run-up to traffic filters trial

The new markings appear on the six arterial roads where the traffic filters trial is set to go live in St Cross Road, Thames Street, Hythe Bridge Street, St Clement's Street, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way.

Oxfordshire County Council had planned to start the trial in November following the scheduled completion of works to Botley Road - a main road into the city - in October.

READ MORE: Oxford: Pizza Express restaurant set to open in Summertown

But National Highway's announcement on Thursday this week (July 11) that the works will be prolonged yet again for an unspecified period of time has thrown the plans up into the air.

The traffic filters will be camera-enforced points on six roads in Oxford applying to private cars, blocking them from travelling through in an attempt to "tackle congestion" and reduce the number of car journeys.

Red markings on St Cross Road. (Image: Reconnecting Oxford.)

Speaking to us, Richard Parnham of the 'Reconnecting Oxford' group, said: "If I can get a picture of an empty road during the morning rush hour during the holidays, why an earth do most operate 7am to 7pm 365 days per year? What problem are they fixing, especially out of term time?

"This also goes to how they evaluate impact. Annual average impact won't cut it, because nearly half the year Oxfords main roads are quite, with little traffic. It's really important to focus the evaluation of impact on peak times during term time, in case the traffic filters have a massive and significantly detrimental impact during this time, in particular."

Mr Parnham's comments come as some people have raised concern the filters will have a negative impact on businesses due to what they say will be less people being able and willing to travel and shop there.

Speaking on the new red markings, a county council spokesman said: "The installation of red coloured surfacing, as well as signs, will highlight the location of the trial Traffic Filters, enhancing driver awareness and compliance.

"This work is taking place now as it was planned and instructed before Network Rail’s announcement on Wednesday, in anticipation of the start of the trial in November. The November start date is now in question."

Network Rail's delay on the scheme has already caused anger among some Oxford motorists and business owners who believe the "chaos" caused has been long enough.

The council also described the delay as "extremely frustrating".

Gas main work at Botley Road, Oxford. (Image: Network Rail)

Anna Holbrook, industry programme director at Network Rail said: “Although our work is progressing well on most aspects of this major programme, including the construction of the new platform on the western side of the station, the bridge replacement has unfortunately had to be postponed as the work to divert the complex layout of utility pipes and cables under the road, including the sewer system, will not be ready in time.

"We have informed the councils that Botley Road will not now be able to be reopened in October. 

"We know how important Botley Road is to Oxford and apologise to local residents and businesses for the ongoing inconvenience.

"We are working out the best way forward and will continue to engage with the local community as our plans develop.”