A ‘BOLD’ new one-way system and bus loop around the city could be implemented to tackle congestion and improve the centre of Oxford.

Independent consultants – commissioned by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council – have revealed a list of options to improve bus services, provision for cyclists and space for pedestrians.

Two one-way bus loops would keep buses out of George Street, Worcester Street, Queen Street and St Aldate’s.

A south to west loop would serve the end of Abingdon Road around Thames Street , Frideswide Square and Botley Road – as well as moving through the Westgate.

The north to east loop would use Longwall Street, High Street, Cornmarket Street and – in one case – Broad Street.

Low-traffic streets that become one-way would remain two-way for cyclists.

Oxford Mail:

Blue: Bus movements. Green: Pedestrian priority. Red: All traffic (one way)

Phil Jones, of consultants Phil Jones Associates, said some parts of Oxford were ‘not pleasant’ for people to walk around and that High Street and St Aldate’s were particularly bad.

Head of planning for Oxford City Council, Alex Hollingsworth, said: “Whether you live or work here or just visit Oxford, I think it is clear to everyone that we have run out of room for the volume of traffic, cyclists and pedestrians in the city’s medieval streets.

“There are no easy solutions which is why, working with the county council, we asked experts to come up with some bold and innovative thinking about how we might balance all the needs.”

Both councils said the options complemented the proposed zero emission zone as well as a congestion charge and workplace parking levy, which are both being considered.