Political heavyweight John Prescott has waded into the war of words over the Oxford Transport Strategy.

The Deputy Prime Minister gave the controversial scheme the thumbs-up for cutting traffic congestion and reducing air pollution.

His support follows attacks from TV motoring show Top Gear and the Shadow Transport Minister John Redwood.

At the launch of a National Bus Summit, Mr Prescott said: "People have been unfair about Oxford. More and more people are travelling by bus. The air quality is better because it's not so congested and tied up with cars."

He added: "Oxford is an example of what the bus industry can do for us. It can give a good alternative choice so that you can use cars less and public transport more." The OTS was branded a "nightmare" by Tory John Redwood on a visit last week, and Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson ripped into the scheme, calling it a "sinister plot".

But the attacks were criticised by the county's Chamber of Commerce, Oxford Bus Company and the city and county councils.

Chamber of Commerce President Christopher Quinton has written to former Witney county councillor Mr Redwood calling his comments "ridiculous and damaging".

He said: "Oxford is neither a nightmare nor a disaster and it is ridiculous to say so. We accept that the OTS isn't perfect, but what we are doing is working constructively to make improvements where possible."

And Oxford Bus Company managing director Douglas Adie wrote to the producers of Top Gear, saying: "It is very clear that you came to Oxford with the predetermined intention to rubbish the city's highly succesful transport strategy." County council transport planner Noel Newson told the Oxford Mail: "We all recognise there is still some fine-tuning to be done, but we are working hard to achieve the best possible solution for central Oxford's traffic problems, and it is a huge and complex job."

Story date: Monday 22 November

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