An internet campaign has been set up in an effort to encourage drivers to turn Divinity Road and Southfield Road, East Oxford, into an informal one-way system.

More than 60 people have signed up to Facebook group Up Div Down Southfield, calling on drivers to travel along Divinity Road from Cowley Road, and then along Southfield from Warneford Lane, because parking on both sides of the roads made it difficult for two cars to pass.

But residents said it would make their lives worse.

Geraldine Coggins, who lives in Southfield Road, said: "I would be against it because I think it would increase the speed of the traffic.

"The only way I think it would be a useful thing to do is if they put serious traffic calming similar to that in Magdalen Road and Howard Street, but I don't think there is the money for that.

"The only reason for making the two streets one way would be to convenience through-drivers and it would inconvenience residents. I do not see why a residential area should be rearranged to suit through traffic."

Peter Coggins, who is chairman of the Divinity Road Area Residents and Tenants Association, said: "Speed is the major problem in the roads and it needs to be tackled.

"It would just become a ratrun with people speeding up and down - while at the moment they have to slow down occasionally because there is a car coming past."

James Styring, of Southfield Road, said: "One-way systems encourage cars to go much faster and people here have been campaigning for lower speed limits.

"What we would like to do if possible is make it more difficult for students to bring cars in term time because outside term time it's much better."

A controlled parking zone is currently under consideration for the Divinity Road area and Mr Styring said this would mean there were fewer parking spaces which would make it easier for motorists driving along the road.

But Erica Bingley, who also lives in Southfield Road, said she would support anything to ease the current traffic situation.

She said: "Sometimes I sit in my car for ages waiting to be able to pull out because there are so many cars coming in the opposite direction.

"It's a really big problem and it can get a bit farcical - not to mention dangerous - when you end up with cars reversing some distance before being able to let someone pass."

A number of comments have been left on the website.

Rowena Copestake said: "I emailed the council about this and was fobbed off that they only accept written requests (isn't email written?)."

Clare Dawe said: "People should start spreading the word of the new one way system. You all know it'll save time and effort for everyone."

Ian Hudspeth, Oxfordshire County Council's portfolio holder for traffic improvements said: "We are looking at parking regulations initially, but I would say that if anybody comes forward with some proposals we would always consider them."