The leader of Oxford City Council has expressed her frustration over the delayed traffic filters trial following the announcement from county council leaders last week.
The county council was planning on launching six new traffic filters across the city on a trial basis in a bid to cut congestion, but last week it announced this will not go ahead as planned in November.
This announcement follows Network Rail's announcement earlier this month that Botley Road, which has been closed since April 2023, will not reopen as planned in October.
READ MORE: Oxford: Botley Road will not reopen as planned in October
In reaction to the news of the traffic filters trial being delayed, Oxford City Council leader, Susan Brown said on Monday: "This is very regrettable as there is an immediate need to get buses moving, make cycling safer and to clean up the air for our children's lungs.
"Nonetheless it now presents an opportunity for a reset and focus on more engagement with local residents and businesses about joined up improvements in public transport, traffic filters and other measures to tackle congestion, and better cycling and walking routes around the city."
The county council said in a statement on Friday (July 19) morning it was "deeply dissatisfied and frustrated" that the launch of its traffic filters trial planned for November is now not possible.
READ MORE: Oxford traffic filters scheme postponed say highways bosses
It added: "The council remains committed to the trial, which aims to tackle Oxford’s chronic congestion problems and dramatically improve bus journey times.
The work at Oxford Station (Image: Oxford Mail)
"The only feasible option is for the council to wait and run the trial after Network Rail completes its work.
"The council is now waiting for Network Rail and the Department for Transport to confirm if work will continue and when it will be complete.
"Residents and businesses have shown incredible patience with more than a year of disruption to their lives because of Network Rail’s project.
"While the road remains closed, the council will continue to do all it can to work with partners to minimise the impact on the rest of the road network."
The traffic filters will be camera-enforced points aiming to reduce traffic levels in Oxford by managing the use of certain roads by private car.
A system of permits for residents will be introduced, offering them exemptions for a certain number of journeys through the filters.
READ MORE: Botley Road Oxford Station works delay heavily criticised
All other vehicles including emergency services, taxis, buses, coaches, all vans, mopeds, motorbikes and HGVs can pass through traffic filters at all times.
Electrical works have started near the filter points at Hollow Way, Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clements, Marston Ferry Road and Thames Street, and the roads have been marked red near the traffic filter locations.
Network Rail has not yet provided a new reopening date for Botley Road.
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