The cancellation of bus services due to "noise vibrations" in an Oxford suburb has been called "nonsensical" as the measure is expected to last up to the end of February.

Oxfordshire County Council has issued a traffic regulation notice which entails an "emergency weight limit restriction" of 7.5 tonnes in the Herschel Crescent area of Littlemore. 

The ban on buses and HGVs is due to "structural damage on the road" and it began on September 1.

Herschel Crescent and Bodley Road.Herschel Crescent and Bodley Road. (Image: Google Maps.)

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Exceptions are included for emergency service vehicles and for the purpose of the works.

It is alongside a separate restriction the council also imposed last month on Donnington Bridge due to structural concerns, which has affected the ST1 and 46 bus services.

Donnington Bridge.Donnington Bridge.

Littlemore Labour county councillor Trish Elphinstone said: "I have asked for details of the works being carried out and requested that alternative bus services be put in place during this time.

Trish Elphinstone.Trish Elphinstone. (Image: Oxford and District Labour Party.)

"Residents are anxious with the loss of service. 

"This area has a significant population of elderly and disabled who rely on a local service.

"It would be most helpful if an alternative smaller bus could be provided as many are unable to walk far. They need their bus."

Cowley Independent Oxford Alliance (IOA) city councillor Ian Yeatman added: "Local residents are furious with this news and the poor communication.

"It's entirely nonsensical to restrict car usage while simultaneously making buses less accessible."

This comes as a county council spokesman has confirmed the decision was made "following complaints about noise vibration".

Ian Yeatman.Ian Yeatman. (Image: Contribution.)

The spokesman added: "ODS maintains this section of road on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council.

"Following complaints about noise vibration caused by heavy vehicles, ODS met with the Oxfordshire County Council network team and it was agreed to put a restriction on due to the ongoing carriageway issues.

"The carriageway has started to show signs of movement and it is now necessary to investigate and make repairs."

Ms Elphinstone said she thought councillors had been "kept in the dark" and there should be a complimentary bus service offered on the existing route.

Oxford buses.Oxford buses. (Image: Photo: Oxford Mail) She added, in reference to other transport decisions in the ward over the years, that there was a "feeling of stuff being done to Littlemore and not with Littlemore".

The county council suggested due consultation has been carried out on its transport measures.

Independent Oxford Alliance (IOA) Littlemore councillor Anne Stares said: "It is of continuing frustration that once again the residents of Cowley and Littlemore’s needs are being overlooked.

Anne Stares.Anne Stares. (Image: IOA.)

"I am working with other local councillors to fight for the recognition and respect that our communities deserve."

Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “We’d like to reassure customers that we have not we have not cancelled our 5A service, it is still operating and residents can board buses at the Addison Drive stops on Cowley Road, Littlemore.

“Oxfordshire County Council has implemented a weight limit on Herschel Cresent and Bodley Road which means it is not physically possible for our buses to currently operate in on those roads. 

“Therefore, while the County Council investigates the deterioration of the road surfaces and carries out subsequent works, we have temporarily re-routed our 5A service to not directly use Herschel Cresent and Bodley Road.

“We will continue to liaise with the County Council and look forward to reinstating the full service when the restriction is removed.”

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi