CAMPAIGNERS are warning that Bicester will face “carmageddon” in 2019 unless action is taken now.

Bicester Traffic Action Group (TAG) was launched this week to highlight traffic issues posed by major developments proposed for the town. Residents fear the town will be “gridlocked” with “delays and increased pollution”.

Concerns surround the length of time the London Road level crossing will be closed and the prospect of Howes Lane becoming a “traffic bottleneck” under plans to convert it into a boulevard.

Bicester TAG is calling for a cycling plan and a ring road to support the 13,000 homes at the new eco-town, which is currently under construction.

Co-chairman Richard Mallows said: “Originally myself and Sally [Co-chairwoman] got caught up in the Black Friday mayhem that happened at Bicester Village.

“So We met our local councillors and found out about the huge amount of developments.

"Our aim is to bring this to the attention of residents, and also to talk to our councillors about why they are not asking the robust questions needed.

“There will be in excess of 13,000 new homes and approximately 26,000 new cars, with no significant infrastructure for 10 years. Bicester will become congested and stop being a pleasant place to live.”

The group is campaigning for solutions to the London Road level crossing plan, which is part of the £130m rail project connecting Bicester, Oxford and London.

The crossing could close for up to 45 minutes every hour according to proposed timetables by Network Rail and East West Rail.

Network Rail spokeswoman Victoria Bradley confirmed earlier this year that East West Rail will have two trains an hour in each direction, while by 2019 that will increase to four with space for a freight train each way too.

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Dominic Llewellyn-Jones said: “Once the stations reopen, the barrier will be closed for approximately 24 minutes each hour. The 45-minute example would only occur once additional services are operating, which is unlikely to be before spring 2019.”

But Bicester TAG warned residents in Langford, Ambrosden and Launton face being isolated.

Mr Mallows, 42, said: “It just feels like they are throwing developments at the town. We are not campaigning against housing developments, but if you are going to do these things, you need to pay for the infrastructure.”

Cherwell District Council’s commercial director for Bicester, Karen Curtin, said: “The transport needs are fully considered as part of the planning application.”