TWO streets in Oxford that have become notorious rat-runs for drivers dodging jams are to be blocked off for a month-long trial.

After years of pressure by people living off London Road in Headington, Oxfordshire County Council has agreed in principle to shut Lime Walk and Latimer Road at their junction with London Road, to ensure people finally get respite from motorists seeking short-cuts.

Under the proposals there would still be a route for traffic through the area down New High Street and the southern end of Lime Walk, but this is seen as a less attractive rat-run.

If the closure of Latimer Road and Lime Walk proves unworkable, then an alternative that may be considered would be to close All Saints Road.

It is hoped the trial could start in the next few months.

Last night, the move was welcomed as a victory by the streets’ residents.

Patrick Coulter, chairman of Highfield Residents’ Association, said: “We feel this is a milestone, but we have a lot more work before the final outcome. It’s a great start and we feel very positive.

“We have got the biggest rat-run in the city – 70 per cent of traffic here is through traffic and it’s getting worse – this will alter our lives.”

The proposals will affect Lime Walk; Latimer Road; New High Street; All Saints Road; Stapleton Road; Bickerton Road; Barrington Close; Cecil Sharpe Close and Nursery Close.

Talks will be held with the emergency services about access for their vehicles before the trial starts.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, who brokered a meeting between residents and County Hall, said: “This is a promising breakthrough. The ever-increasing volumes of traffic doing the rat-run between London Road and Old Road are degrading the quality of life of residents and are a danger, especially to children and elderly people.

“Just as I’ve complained about county inaction on this in the past, I’m pleased now to praise their willingness to try out these measures.”

Stapleton Road resident Gill Beeston, 71, said: “I think it’s absolutely wonderful and will curb all the through traffic.”

Anthony Swift, 68, said: “The cars come down here in excess of 50mph and we have got old people who say they’re too frightened to cross the road and who don’t go out.”

Headington city councillor David Rundle said: “There’s a problem with rat-running, but what’s really needed is consultation and information – and we all know how bad the county council has been at that in the past.

“If this trial is going to work, it needs to be properly thought through.”

Steve Howell, the county council’s head of transport, added: “We have agreed to investigate trial road closures on streets that run between London Road and Old Road. We need to do some work planning the trial and will then decide how to take this forward.”

gsheldrick@oxfordmail.co.uk