The Government has given a quick boost to its plans to make bus travel more attractive by agreeing a new bus lane for Oxford.

Transport Secretary Gavin Strang announced yesterday (Wed) that a new lane is to be built on the A40 at Headington, from Thornhill park and ride to Headington roundabout.

The announcement came just two days after Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott announced radical plans in a White Paper to encourage motorists to leave their cars at home and use public transport.

The new lane, which will stop buses being held up in traffic at the roundabout, is expected to open next year.

Roger Williams, Oxfordshire's chief transport planner, said the Government's decision was very good news.

"This will help people travelling into Oxford by bus, increase the use of park and ride and help relieve traffic congestion on roads," he said.

Oxfordshire County Council was the first local authority to get Department of Transport approval for bus lanes to be built on trunk roads.

Plans for a bus lane from Peartree park and ride to Wolvercote roundabout were approved last December.

The work should start early next year.

The council is also applying for permission to build a bus lane alongside the A40 between Witney and Oxford.

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