A SOLAR-powered third lane of the A40 could help solve the county’s traffic woes, a campaign group hopes.

The idea has been put forward by the United Front Against Incompetent Councillors (UFAIC) and is now being considered by county council transport chiefs.

Suggestions on the table also include a dual carriageway between Barnard Gate and Oxford and a new park-and-ride in Eynsham.

Paul Mills, 32, from Witney, put forward the proposals on behalf of UFAIC.

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He said: “My suggestion is that we either dual the carriageway or we just include one third lane which can be dualled eastbound during the morning peak time and westbound in the evenings.

“This ‘third lane’ could be the first of its kind if it uses new solar technology.”

The energy saving-proposals include solar powered signs, solar powered catseyes and road markings for the extra lane.

There are no estimates for how much the green third lane would cost, and the UFAIC has asked Oxfordshire County Council to investigate if it is a viable option.

The group then hopes to be able to crowdfund the scheme, which involves individuals, businesses and groups pledging money to fund a project.

County council member for transport David Nimmo Smith said: “We are considering all the things Mr Mills has raised, we are looking at options to improve capacity. As we keep saying, doing nothing is not an option.”

Mr Nimmo Smith said: “Funding is not readily available for these sorts of schemes so we would welcome any additional funding.”

He added that said Mr Mills’ suggestion for a park-and-ride in Eynsham was already in the pipeline.

He said: “We’re ahead of the game on that, we are looking at park-and-rides further afield outside the ring road in places like Eynsham, Abingdon and even Watlington.’’ As revealed in the Oxford Mail last week, an internal draft report by officers at the county council said plans already being worked on in North Oxford will not solve the A40’s capacity problems.

Measures already proposed include the overhaul of Woodstock and Banbury Road roundabouts, changes to Pear Tree Interchange, and a link road between the A40 and A44.

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