TRANSPORT experts have unveiled plans to improve one of the busiest routes into Oxford.

Oxfordshire County Council is planning major roadworks at the top end of London Road, in Headington, to tackle congestion.

To achieve this the authority wants to widen the road around Lyndworth Road and add a short stretch of bus lane.

It also plans to add another stretch of bus lane on the opposite side of the Green Road roundabout on the A40 towards Wheatley.

Counci transport officers say the new-look London Road would allow cars to pass buses which have stopped for passengers, preventing traffic from backing up.

Originally it had planned to have bus lanes running in both direction between the Headington shops and the Green Road roundabout.

But the plans were completely redrawn earlier this year after pedestrians and cyclists warned altering pavements would put them in danger.

Headington county councillor Roz Smith said: “I am pleased the county council has listened to residents, but the devil is in the detail and I am concerned about the main fabric of London Road. It is not just potholes now; we are talking about some deep ruts and it is most uncomfortable.”

Richard Mann, of cycling campaign group Cyclox, said: “In the original proposal the council was planning on widening the road for 300 metres and getting rid of the cycle track on the north side.

“This is a better option but there is a gap between Green Road roundabout until the start of the bus lane at Gladstone Road where cyclists have to fight it out with buses.”

The county council has said that once the work is complete, the existing inbound bus lane between Gladstone Road and Wharton Road will be repaired.

Further maintenance work for the rest of London Road is being reviewed.

Council spokesman Martin Crabtree said: “We are aware of concerns over the condition of the general road and a strategy for carrying out maintenance on the remaining lengths of London Road is currently being looked at.”

If the £840,000 scheme is approved work is expected to take place between January and June next year.

Phil Southall, operations director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “We support the scheme, as it gives additional bus priority. Relocating the bus stops should improve traffic movement, as buses won’t have to stop opposite each other.

“We are continuing discussions with the county council to see if the scheme can be improved further.”

The county council is consulting on the proposals and a drop-in consultation will be taking place on Thursday, July 18, at Headington Quarry Village Hall, in Margaret Road, between 4pm and 8pm.