Speeding motorists are being stopped permanently from rat-running dangerously through a north Oxford estate.

Oxfordshire County Council is introducing a permanent ban on left turns from the A40 Elsfield Way to Jackson Road after a temporary ban proved successful in combating rat-running through the Cutteslowe estate.

The kerb at the junction is being rebuilt to enforce the permanent ban and prevent rat-runners gaining access to Oxford through the Sunnymead area.

The temporary ban was introduced in December 2005, and building work is now taking place to prevent cars turning left from the dual carriageway.

Alan Hyde, treasurer of the North Oxford Estates Residents Association, said there had been a number of serious accidents in Jackson Road in the past few years.

He added: "We are pleased that the county council has listened to the residents and has decided to make the temporary ban permanent.

"There has been a 70 per cent reduction in traffic since the temporary ban was introduced and now that the junction is being rebuilt, it will be much harder for drivers to turn left, so the streets should be even safer."

North Oxford county councillor Jean Fooks said: "I am pleased that we will now be able to implement this as a permanent solution.

"Pupils at Cutteslowe Primary School who cycle to school will be much safer once this work is completed."

Work will start on March 12 and is expected to last two weeks.

David Robertson, cabinet member for transport, said: "With this permanent measure in place, residents can look forward to less rat-running traffic and an increase in safety for cyclists and children."