Oxford's controversial transport strategy has won the praise of one of the country's highest-ranking traffic experts.

While local residents remain divided between those who either love it or loathe it, Prof David Begg, the government's top Integrated Transport adviser, described the OTS as "bold and impressive".

He was shown round the city last month as part of the Government's 'Way Forward' for transport initiatives. Speaking at a transport conference in London, Prof Begg said: "It is not easy to restore a quality of life that has been slowly eroding over the years, but the early signs are that it is going to be a success.

"Of course, any move to bring change on this scale is going to be controversial and will take time to settle down, but the rest of the country is watching closely.

"As in so many other cities, heavy traffic has blighted the centre of Oxford for many years, causing congestion and poor air quality. "The county and city councils recognise that road space needs to reflect the needs of everyone using the city, especially pedestrians and cyclists.

"Modelling people flows rather than just vehicles is particularly impressive. The Oxford Transport Strategy deserves every encouragement."

Prof Begg's comments delighted David Young, the county council's director of environmental services.

"Praise at this level is particularly encouraging," he said. "It shows our strategy is certainly along the right lines."

He added that modifications to the new Station Square junction by the railway station - one of the key areas of concern - were due to be introduced shortly.

Enforcement was also being tightened up to hit those motorists who continued to flout the new traffic regulations.

Story date: Thursday 14 October

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.