I WOULD like to comment on the prospects for Queen Street in Oxford once the new Westgate development is completed.

Currently the plan is to continue to exclude buses from it, but allow access for cyclists. I am not so sure that this is the best outcome.

In my opinion if the ban on buses is maintained for Queen Street, then the present congestion in High Street and St Aldate’s will continue, with all that means for poor air quality, even allowing for the new cleaner buses.

It will also mean a long walk from the new Westgate to the bus stops, which will not be helpful for the elderly and the disabled.

This will also require a new busturning circle on the corner of the Worcester Street car park. This could be difficult if the owners (Nuffield College) object.

I believe therefore that buses should be allowed back into Queen Street. In my view they were never a problem for pedestrians. This will make it easier for shoppers who are in any way mobility-impaired better access.

Cyclists could be accommodated in such a situation as I understand that they will be able to cycle safely through the rest of the development. There is no reason why they should not walk their cycles up or down Queen Street.

This will be better than mixing fastrunning cyclists with lots of pedestrians in what will be a crowded street if the new Westgate is anything like the success we all hope.

Cllr BOB JOHNSTON

Lib Dem

Kennington and Radley

Oxfordshire County Council