SUPPORTERS of plans to build a controversial relief road have welcomed the publication of a report which recommends building the road to tackle pollution.

The West Oxfordshire District Council draft action plan, aimed at reducing air pollution in Witney town centre, was first called for in 2005, when it was discovered the town would not meet government targets for reducing the pollutant nitrogen dioxide.

But it was delayed due to uncertainty over the future of the Cogges Link Road, proposed to relieve traffic in the town centre.

The link road would run through the town from the junction of Oxford Hill and Jubilee Way, around the Cogges estate to the Station Lane roundabout by Sainsbury’s, with a new crossing over the River Windrush.

The clean air plan emphasises the importance of building the much-delayed road, stating: “The Cogges Link Road...supported by a further 10 minor proposals, will contribute towards reducing nitrogen dioxide air pollution.”

District councillor David Harvey, cabinet member for the environment, said: “The Cogges Link Road allied with measures to reduce emissions from cars... are all contributing factors to reducing nitrogen dioxide.”

But David Condon, chairman of the Witney branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, hit out at the plan, backing an alternative proposal to create a new junction on the A40 along Downs Road.

He said: “Pollution in Bridge Street is not a reason to build the Cogges Link Road.”

“The easiest way for them to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels in Bridge Street would be to reduce heavy goods vehicles going through there, and the easiest way to do that would be to get traffic on to the A40.”

But Mr Harvey said: “The idea that you can just take traffic and move it wholesale on to the A40 doesn’t work.

“The latest modelling that has been done by the county council shows consistently that wouldn’t be the correct approach for resolving congestion in Witney.”

The pollution-busting plan also calls for:

  • Signs to encourage alternative routes l Lobbying of Government for cleaner vehicles and fuels
  • Promoting cycling
  • A ‘leave your car at home’ initiative
  • More real-time information on screens at bus stops
  • A review of powers over idling vehicles
  • Promoting cleaner vehicles and fuels to public transport operators
  • Developing school travel plans to cut down car use
  • Managing parking. The council took over on-street traffic warden duties in January.

The most recent figures for nitrogen dioxide levels in Witney were 48-52 micro-grammes/m3, compared with theGovernment target of 40.

The pollutant can affect how the lungs work, and is particularly dangerous for asthma sufferers.

The environment overview and comittee discussed the action plan on December 2.

It was approved to go to public consultation in the new year. No date has yet been set.