Nearly three quarters residents say that congestion has got worse over the past year, according to the latest residents’ survey from the city council.

As much as 74 per cent of respondents said that congestion when travelling into and within the city had worsened, compared to six per cent who said it had improved.

When commenting on journey time into the city, 61 per cent said travelling by car had got worse, with 57 per cent saying travelling by bus was worse.

READ MORE: Sadness at Oxfordshire global manufacturing business closure

The city council included questions about transport in survey, but Oxfordshire County Council is responsible for transport provision.

The key themes from residents’ comments included concerns about the impact of LTNs and bus gates on congestion, calls for more frequent buses, and comments on the delays to Botley Road reopening.

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire Liveable Streets said the results were “no surprise”, and that traffic filters would help solve the problem.

“We've got two choices: never try to do anything about it, everyone drives, the buses slow down even more - so even more people drive, meaning even more congestion.

“Or we could make a change, all at the same time, to get some journeys out of cars and onto buses, cycling or lift-sharing.

“There's no way we are all going to suddenly change our habits spontaneously, so that's why we need the county's traffic filters.

A file image of traffic in Oxford (Image: Ed Nix) “These will get us all acting at the same time, together, and give us a chance of a functioning bus service and some choice other than driving.”

When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for the county council said: “The closure of Botley Road since April 2023 is continuing to impact traffic and transport in Oxford.

“The county council’s travel policies in the central Oxfordshire travel plan and Oxfordshire’s local transport and connectivity plan are designed to make Oxfordshire a better place for everyone.

“Part of that means addressing the longstanding problem of traffic in and around Oxford.

“One of the key measures for reducing traffic and improving bus journeys is the traffic filters trial, which is also delayed until Botley Road is reopened.”

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About the author  

Esme is a Local Democracy Reporter covering politics, planning and council meetings across the county. 

She joined the Oxford Mail in October 2024 after completing a Master's in Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

Esme achieved a BA in History at Cambridge University before going down the journalism path.

She can be found on X by searching @esme_kenney.