Oxford LTN planter vandalised

During the last few months, several LTN traffic filters throughout the controversial East Oxford LTNs have been vandalised by assailants who have ripped them out, damaged them and, even, set them on fire so they melt.

The latest act of criminal damage has seen flowers which are planted in a bollard on Bullingdon Road purposefully snapped in half.

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Images shared with the Oxford Mail by resident Marc Thomas, of Hill Top Road, show the flora pulled out of the soil and left to die.

The flowers were purposefully pulled out

Mr Thomas said: “A number of the LTN planters are being carefully tended by their local communities and are now, or in some cases were, full of plants.

“There is every reason to believe that there is a quiet majority of LTN supportive residents actually living on quieter streets who are being drowned out by a dedicated and vocal minority.

“Any connection between this and other LTN vandalism is obviously circumstantial, but it is a remarkably petty and unpleasant action regardless of who did it and why.”

The bollard on Bullingdon Road is not the first to be vandalised

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “Officers are aware of vandalism incidents and other issues relating to the Lower Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Oxford and are investigating all reports.

“We are also supporting Oxfordshire County Council to find solutions to the problems.

“We would encourage anyone with information about any criminality relating to the LTNs should report it to us by calling 101 or by making a report on our website.

“Alternatively, to provide information completely anonymously, contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

On the vandalism, an Oxfordshire County Council spokesperson previously said: “Damage to highways infrastructure is obviously something we take very seriously, as it presents a significant safety risk to all road users.

“We are continuing to monitor the incidents of damage to traffic filters in the low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) areas and will replace any damaged bollards signage and planters – each time at a significant cost to the taxpayer.”

The police are investigating cases of vandalism

The East Oxford LTNs, cover the Divinity Road, St Clement’s, and St Mary’s areas, were installed by the county council on a trail basis on May 20.

An LTN is an area where motorised traffic is prevented from taking shortcuts through a residential area by means of traffic filters, the aim being to increase safety, encourage active transport and reduce pollution.

The trial will last for at least six months as part of an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO).

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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