Thousands back petition for level crossing to include car access in Bicester
Bicester and Woodstock MP will present the petition to Parliament next week
Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for a fully accessible underpass at the level crossing in Bicester.
It’s after the most recent consultation, East West Rail (EWR) proposed a pedestrian and cycle-only underpass which does not include access for cars.
This has caused “local residents and campaigners to have serious concerns about the suitability of these proposals”, according to Calum Miller MP.
More than 3000 people have already signed the petition which calls on the Government to ensure any replacement of the level crossing includes access for cars, not just cyclists and pedestrians.
Calum Miller MP for Bicester and Woodstock said: “I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to sign our petition and the volunteers who have worked so hard to make this possible. To gather over 3000 physical signatures is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the strength of the local community.
“East West Rail is a project of national significance – but it must not come at the cost of existing residents in our town. The impact of cutting off this crucial artery would be a disaster for Bicester; no one wants the town cut in two.
I look forward to presenting this petition in Parliament on behalf of thousands of my constituents. Backed by this show of support, I will continue to press Government Ministers and East West Rail to commit to deliver the solution that Bicester people want to see.”
People have been queuing at various locations to lend their support to the campaign, alongside community volunteers who have taken the petition door-to-door.
Due to Parliamentary protocol, the petition can only be signed in person.
It will be presented to the House of Commons by Calum Miller MP on Tuesday 3rd June.
The text of the petition is as follows: “The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to support the construction of an underpass at the London Road level crossing in Bicester that could accommodate car users as well as cyclists and pedestrians.”