A COMPANY which performs services such as recycling and pest control for a council has said it is facing challenges due to a controversial traffic scheme.
Low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) have divided communities in Oxford, with the initiative made permanent in Cowley, in July.
A trial of LTNs began in East Oxford, in May.
The scheme sees the prevention of through traffic, via planters or bollards, making neighbourhoods quieter.
However, LTNs have been fiercely criticised for displacing traffic onto busier roads.
READ ALSO: Council set to relocate staff so it can lease out entire building
Oxford Direct Services (ODS) became wholly owned by Oxford City Council in 2018, and provides a variety of core services.
A letter sent by ODS to its customers states that increased traffic due to LTNs has impacted waste collections, leading to a restriction of services.
The letter, sent by ODS business development manager Tracey Tupman, states: “In Oxford we are experiencing some localised challenges following the introduction of LTNs this year.
“Whilst LTNs are benefitting the local neighbourhoods, it has meant that traffic on the main roads has increased, impacting on how efficiently we can make our collections.
“This has led to some waste management companies pulling out of, or restricting the services they offer in our city.
“Given the unique way that ODS operates, this was not, and will not be a consideration. On the contrary, we continue to increase the scope and frequency of services that we offer.”
The letter also states that ODS is ‘experiencing challenges’ such as the ‘attraction and retention of operational staff’, leading to a price increase for services.
“In addition, there is the upwards pressure on the costs associated with fuel, which as a collection fleet operator, has a direct impact on our business, as do the costs associated with the disposal of waste in sustainable recycling and non-landfill waste treatment facilities,” the letter says.
“We know that price rises are rarely welcomed, especially at a time when cost pressures are so high, but we need to increase our prices by five per cent, which is below the current rate of CPI at 10.1 per cent.
“This increase will come into effect from October 1. Our commitment is to provide excellent service, and we’ll focus on processing your recycling and waste in the most cost-effective way. Other terms and conditions remain unchained.”
Janet Ferris, head of communications and engagement at ODS, said the price increase is not related to LTNs.
She said: “Like many businesses, we are having to increase our prices to offset the rising cost of fuel and to retain our staffing levels to deliver the service.
“The price increase, the first in two years, is not directly related to the introduction of LTNs, which we know are benefitting the local neighbourhoods.”
Read more from this author
This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.
Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel