A controversial city transport scheme could be adopted across the whole of Oxfordshire, according to the Government.

Oxfordshire County Council is carrying out studies in Abingdon, Banbury and Bicester following the implementation of the Oxford Transport Strategy last summer.

The council's provisional Local Transport Plan says in each case "the main objectives are to cater for the increased demand for travel without increases in private vehicle use while ensuring the economic vitality and viability of the towns and their surr- oundings".

The Government's transport department was asked to look at the report and said the principles of the OTS should set an example to the county as a whole. Nick Wilson, area director for the Government Office South East, said: "A key challenge will be to adapt the thinking behind the successful Oxford Transport Strategy for application in the areas outside Oxford city, especially rural areas."

Roger O'Neill, the county's principal planning officer, said: "With Oxford we have more experience of how to develop a balanced or integrated transport strategy for an area than almost anywhere in the country.

"Many of the principles that were first laid down in the 1970s for Oxford still hold true and the Local Transport Plan for the county gives us a better chance to extend these countywide." The Oxford Transport Strategy, which included the closure of High Street and Cornmarket Street to traffic, has received widespread criticism since it was introduced.

Drivers have complained it has led to more congestion and retailers claim it has deterred shoppers from coming to the city.

Story date: Friday 24 December

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