An Oxford MP has urged the leader of Oxfordshire County Council to “pause” the roll out of LTNs, until measures for bus prioritisation implemented.
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds wrote a letter to council leader Liz Leffman where, despite supporting Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) “in principle”, she said she is “increasingly concerned” about the ways LTNs are being introduced.
Her concerns arise from the continued roll-out of the low traffic scheme before bus prioritisation measures are put in place, which she worries could “worsen congestion”.
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The Labour MP has also written a letter to Grant Shapps, secretary of state for transport, asking for more flexibility to Government funding deadlines for active travel, which Oxfordshire County Council uses for such schemes, so effective measures can be implemented.
Ms Dodds said: “I have been contacted by a large number of my constituents regarding East Oxford LTNs who hold strong views on both sides of the issue and have also shared concerns about the consultation on the LTNs, which I have raised with you previously.
“As we have previously discussed, I do support LTNs in principle. However, I have become increasingly concerned about the sequencing of their introduction in Oxford, and the impact of this on those who rely on buses, especially on our estates.
“I am concerned that continuing with the roll-out of LTNs now, before bus prioritisation measures have been put in place will worsen congestion on arterial routes used by buses in Oxford, further negatively impact bus uptake in East Oxford, and increase division around active and public transport measures in Oxford’s communities.”
Ms Dodds added the potential extra congestion on bus routes could negatively impact bus users and result in people being so “strongly opposed” to LTNs they would be removed, costing the council money and turning people away from active and green travel.
The MP said she shares the councils thoughts on the impact of air pollution on residents and the climate crisis. However, an absence of measures to ensure there is alternative public transport will “drive down support for sustainable transport measures and further negatively impact bus provision and congestion in Oxford."
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In order to reduce pollution, the MP explained people need to be able to get to work and school in an environmentally-friendly manner.
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She said: “Bus transport must, therefore, be retained as an alternative, and should be enhanced rather than downgraded. Introducing additional LTNs right now, in the absence of bus prioritisation measures, threatens to further downgrade our bus services.”
Read the full letter below:
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