AN Oxford MP has called for rapid action to improve safety on the A34, saying she is “very worried” about the number of accidents on the road – which forms part of the Oxford ring road.

Oxford East MP Annelise Dodds called on Nick Harris, chief of National Highways, the organisation which maintains and improves England's motorways and major A-roads, to speed up work on the major trunk road – which links the Midlands with the South Coast ports of Portsmouth and Southampton and runs south through the county from the M40 near Bicester.

The MP has urged for the agency to speed up work to make the road safer following a string of accidents on the road in December that caused delays and disruption for drivers.

The letter reads: “I am deeply concerned by the recent spate of accidents on the A34. There have been 12 accidents on the road since the start of December, the majority of which have occurred very near Oxford, and have caused huge delays and disruption for drivers who rely on the road.

“On Monday (27th December) a crash at the Milton interchange caused five mile tailbacks and on December 11 there was 1.5 miles of slow moving traffic between Oxford and Abingdon due to an overturned car. I am very worried by the risk that this poses to drivers that use the road, and urgent steps must be taken to ensure the safety of road users.

“I understand that National Highways has recognised the need for investment to improve safety and reduce delays on the trunk roads around Oxford. I am therefore writing to urge you to expedite this work.

“I would be grateful if you could provide me with a reply detailing the steps you are taking to address this in order to reduce disruption for my constituents and ensure that trunk roads around Oxford are safe for their users.”

The letter comes as other politicians in the city expressed their concerns about the safety of the A34.

Oxford city councillor Susanna Pressel, who represents Osney and St Thomas Ward, described congestion on the Botley Road as “dreadful” due to accidents on the A34.

While Lib Dem MP for Oxford West and Abingdon Layla Moran claimed “very little has happened on the ground to make a difference”.

Ms Moran said that she has been aware of the “serious problem” of accidents on the road since was elected. In 2021 she ‘pressed’ the agency to ‘get on with’ safety improvements.

The letter has been received by National Highways, however Ms Dodds has not yet received a response.