A SUMMIT meeting of Oxford’s transport leaders has been called to try to tackle traffic congestion.

It has been organised by heritage body Oxford Civic Society, which says a balance must be struck between solving the problem and protecting the city’s character.

It is holding a transport symposium in November where residents can meet key figures in Oxford’s transport industry.

Peter Thompson, the society’s chairman, said: “All aspects of getting around Oxford are a perennial problem and there have been a multitude of attempts to solve them.

“Hardly a week goes by when you don’t hear about pedestrians criticising cyclists or motorists criticising both of them.

“Balancing transport along with heritage issues and community activities is a difficult problem and it requires very good co-ordination.”

He added: “The biggest issue is probably traffic – the amount of it – and the compromises that need to be made trying to discourage people from using the car. I don’t think the city copes with the amount of cyclists well.

“This has ramifications into planning. The medieval layout of the city was obviously never designed to cope with anything like the volume of traffic that there is now.

“But clearly the preservation of that layout is a higher priority.”

Speakers will include Prof David Banister, Professor of Transport Studies at Oxford University, Philip Kirk of the Oxford Bus Company, Chris Aldridge of Network Rail, and Steve Howell of Oxfordshire County Council.

Mr Thompson said: “I would hope we will be able to inform policy but it is hard to measure that sort of thing.

“It is a chance for people who live in the city to get a better understanding about the issues.

“Finding effective solutions inevitably involves compromise and when you do that it is essential to be well informed.

“We feel that transport issues play a big part in influencing the quality of life in the city.”

James Styring, chairman of cycling campaign group Cyclox, said: “Oxford is a lot better for cycling than other cities in the UK.

“But a lot more should be done in terms of cycle parking and joined up routes.”

Sushila Dhall, of Oxford Pedestrians’ Association, added: “We would like to see a pedestrian officer employed and the road transport hierarchy turned on its head so walkers and wheelchair users are put first.

“Cyclists, drivers and walkers always seem to be angry with each other.”

The meeting is being held on November 17 in the Jacqueline du Pre building at St Hilda’s College, Cowley Place, between 10am and 4.30pm.

dfantato@oxfordmail.co.uk l To attend the symposium, call 07505756692 or email comms@oxfordcivics oc.org.uk before Monday, October 17.