UNDERGROUND tunnels, driverless pods and the reopening of the Cowley Branch line could transform the city and put a stop to congestion in the future.

The prospect of building tunnels underneath the city for buses has been brought back to the table and driverless electric pods are also part of an ‘ambitious’ vision for the county up to 2050.

County council leader Ian Hudspeth said it was ‘impossible’ to increase road space in the city due to its 'historic and beautiful' buildings and that tunnels under the city and making the limited space more efficient was the answer.

Earlier the week Oxfordshire County Council revealed around 1,500 businesses will be asked to provide information on their parking spaces and employees’ travel methods.

It could pave the way for a workplace parking levy - which earns Nottingham £9m a year - if enough revenue would be created.

But the council has released new images and details of what could be achieved if an WPL or congestion charge was implemented and if other funding came its way.

The presentation - produced by Oxfordshire Growth Board - has been sent to the National Infrastructure Commission and focusses on ‘first/last mile’ of transport in Oxford - from people’s homes or workplaces to key transport hubs.

County council leader Ian Hudspeth said: “Oxford has a particular problem managing traffic due to its compact size, historic buildings and growing economy.

“As a driver I am well aware that I am part of the traffic problem every time I get in my car.

“We have to act now if we are to ensure the city and whole of the county continue to prosper with better transport choices in the future.”

He added: “We want to look at new ways for buses, cars and cyclists to share road space and improve pedestrian routes.”

The concept would see a range of transport options sent to commuters' smart phones.

Driverless pods could pick people up from housing developments and take them to out-of-the-city park and rides.

From there a 'micrometro' would take passengers on buses using underground tunnels into the city centre.

The Growth Board has included its first and last mile vision in its wider bid to the NIC for improvements to the Oxford to Cambridge corridor.

The board now awaits the Government’s decision over investment funding for new transport infrastructure and housing in Oxfordshire, expected to be revealed in the budget in November.

The board's chairman, Bob Price, said: "With world class centres like Harwell, Culham and Oxford itself, Oxfordshire is already a knowledge-intensive cluster that competes on a global stage.

"Working with the National Infrastructure Commission, the Oxfordshire Growth Board has focused on the opportunity to strengthen the knowledge arc – or brain-belt – linking Oxford through Milton Keynes to Cambridge.

"There is the potential to create a new economic powerhouse for the UK, while protecting our high quality environment, and securing the homes the area needs."