A proposal to make Oxford more pedestrian friendly sparked a debate about street lighting and was called "a war on the working class".

The discussion over the motion calling for Oxford took place at a full Oxford City Council this week. 

It calls for the city council to design a plan for improving walking in Oxford, to create a walkable map of the city for both tourists and locals, and to create a “Kerbside Strategy for Oxford” which would prioritise walking, street trees, benches, and local businesses.

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Councillor Dr Max Morris, who put forward the motion, said: “Walkability is a critical problem of social justice equity and inclusion.

“As the motion notes disabled people, people of colour, older people, younger people, women and children, are much more likely to depend on walking.”

The motion notes that Oxford was declared 'the most walkable city in the UK'.

Councillor Simon Ottino, representing Northfield Brooke, said: “I think if I said that to some of my residents, and if some of the other members said that to residents of their wards on the outskirts of the city, they might get laughed at.

“There is a huge inequality in the experience of walking for many of our residents, and I think that is largely down to some of the policies of the county council.

“The idea from councillor Pete Sudbury to turn off all our lights early in the evening is absolutely absurd. Many of us represent people who work at night, or have to cross bridges or go under subways to get anywhere in the city.”

The county council has deferred its decision on whether to reduce street lighting across Oxfordshire at night after there was a large backlash from campaign groups and officials earlier this month.

He also pointed out the county council should take responsibility for verge cutting, to make walking a more viable option for the areas affected.

Leader of the city council Susan Brown added: “Many women in particular do not feel confident walking, particularly when it is dark.

“It is incredibly important that we have adequate street lighting throughout the night.

“If we want people to walk, they have to feel safe.”

Councillor Ajaz Rehman and councillor Saj Malik voiced opposition to the motion on the grounds that the city was already a “walkable city” and that it could worsen inequality.

Mr Rehman said: “It seems to me like another attack on different groups. There are certain groups in certain areas who the walkable city does not apply to.”

Mr Malik added: “There are no LTNS in Summertown, everything is inflicted on East Oxford.

“It is a war on the working class.

“If you encourage people to walk, you need to sort the pavements out.

“This motion should have gone to the county council, because they can release the funds.”

Other councillors voiced concerns about the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters for people walking in the city centre.

Summing up, Dr Morris said: “I was actually critical of the fact [that Oxford was voted the most walkable city], because it was only focusing on the city centre.

“This motion is about the whole city, and I don’t think this should be pitting groups against each other, this is for everybody."

The motion passed with the majority of councillors voting in support.

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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.