The new leader of Oxfordshire County Council is calling for Oxford High Street traffic restrictions to be partially lifted.

Keith Mitchell, leader of the council's Conservative group, was yesterday named one of nine members of a new ruling Tory-Liberal Democrat executive.

And he was quick to set the agenda by revealing that he would like to see parts of the controversial Oxford Transport Strategy changed.

The High Street is currently closed to ordinary traffic between 7.30am and 6.30pm. Only buses and taxis are allowed through during this period.

Cllr Mitchell said: "I think we need to look again at the times of the restrictions, to see if we can bring about an improvement for traders and for the people of east Oxford.

"I am not talking about wholesale reopening but reviewing the opening and closing times because, at the moment, they are too restrictive.

"I would also like to look at the problem of congestion in Station Square. That part of the OTS is still not working properly."

From November 5, the old committee system is being scrapped and replaced by a leader and executive system.

There will be five Conservatives and four Liberal Democrats on the executive, so the Tories will have a casting vote.

Margaret Godden, who will be deputy leader, said: "The budget will still be decided by all members of the council, but we hope they will be led by the executive."

Both groups promised all the key decisions would be accessible to the public. But they said if the new system was not working, it could be altered.

Brian Hodgson, leader of the Labour group, said Labour would be responsible for chairing five scrutiny committees - which would scrutinise the new administration's proposals and also to put forward policy proposals.