An Oxford traffic filter trial is on hold

It's due to delayed works by Network Rail at Botley Road.

Author: Andrea FoxPublished 22nd Jul 2024

A traffic filter trial is on hold due to Network Rail delays around Botley Road.

The county council says it is deeply dissatisfied and frustrated that the launch of its traffic filters trial planned for November is now not possible.

This is because Network Rail has postponed the replacement of Botley railway bridge and is unable to reopen Botley Road in October.

Network Rail say the delay is due to the complex layout of utility pipes and cables under the road, including the sewer system, which need to be rerouted, and it cannot be completed in time.

They've yet to announce when Botley Road will reopen.

The county council say they remains committed to the trial, which aims to tackle Oxford’s chronic congestion problems and dramatically improve bus journey times.

The only feasible option is for the council to wait and run the trial after Network Rail completes its work.

The council is now waiting for Network Rail and the Department for Transport to confirm if work will continue and when it will be complete. MP Layla Moran has also written to the Transport Minister over the delays.

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council made this statement after the county council announced the delay to the traffic filter trial.

"This is very regrettable as there is an immediate need to get buses moving, make cycling safer and to clean up the air for our children's lungs. Nonetheless it now presents an opportunity for a reset and focus on more engagement with local residents and businesses about joined up improvements in public transport, traffic filters and other measures to tackle congestion, and better cycling and walking routes around the city."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.