Two of Oxford's biggest employers come out in favour of traffic filters

Oxford University, which employs 14,500 people, has written to Oxfordshire County Council saying that the proposed traffic measures are “a sensible approach”.

And they are backed by another major employer, the Oxford Bus Company.

Dr David Prout, the university's Pro-Vice-Chancellor for planning and resources, has sent a letter to Oxfordshire County Council cabinet members saying that “the piloting of the proposed experimental traffic filters (with the listed exemptions which are important to the University) appears to be a sensible approach".

He has said the university supports them "on the basis that at the end of the trial, the council will make a decision on whether, and on what conditions, to make the traffic filters permanent.

"We stand ready to work with you as these proposals develop.”

He adds that “the University supports actions which aim to free up the limited road space in and around Oxford and improve safety, connectivity and air quality whilst tackling the climate emergency by reducing congestion.”

And an open letter supported by the Oxford Bus Company, one of the area’s biggest employers with 600 workers, says: “We know that keeping our goods, students and customers moving is critical to the success of the economy.

"Over the next few years there are plans to build 24,000 new homes and we will see four new schools open. We will see more visitors than ever as tourism recovers and new businesses start up.

"Our transport system needs to keep up to ensure our city remains a great place to live, work and study. 

“To keep customers moving and ensure deliveries on time, we’re supporting plans such as the proposed traffic filters and a zero emissions zone.

"None of these plans will stop people driving to anywhere in the city. But it will mean our buses are quicker, and cycling and walking is safer. We want to get Oxford moving. We hope others do too.”

But it adds: “Our public transport system requires investment: but if we want new zero emission vehicles we have to improve speeds and reliability. At the moment, buses are travelling no faster than a horse and cart!”

Robin Tucker, who runs a small business in Oxfordshire, told Livable Streets, 'the UK charity for everyday walking': “As someone who regularly commutes into Oxford, I’m backing these plans.

"I’ve already found the benefit of adapting my journey, taking the bike when I want fresh air and thinking time, or the bus and checking messages on the way.

"The change took getting used to, but I was soon enjoying it, and every person not driving brings benefits to businesses and residents in quicker journeys and cleaner air.

“We’ve seen success from the pedestrianisation of Broad Street which increased footfall to shops and restaurants."

The artificial meadow was visited by more than 100,000 people between July and October 2021, with around 90 per cent of people responding to a city council consultation saying they wanted it to stay.

The backing from business comes after independent polling shows that people in Oxford support measures to install traffic filters in the city by a margin of almost two to one.

Sixty per cent of those questioned in a representative survey carried out by YouGov on behalf of Oxfordshire Liveable Streets supported the plans to create six traffic filters, while only 31 per cent opposed the plans.

The filters on St Cross Road, Thames Street, Hythe Bridge Street and St Clements would operate seven days a week from 7am to 7pm.

Two more filters on Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way would operate from Monday to Saturday with the aim of reducing congestion and making city life more pleasant.

A decision will be taken on November 29 but Duncan Enright, cabinet member for travel and development strategy, provoked anger when he announced prematurely: "It's going to happen, definitely." 

Hotelier Jeremy Mogford, who owns the Old Bank Hotel in High Street and the Old Parsonage Hotel and Gees, in Banbury Road, has received hate mail because of his vocal opposition to the filters as well as other traffic reduction schemes.

He said the traffic filters were "a ridiculous experiment" and would be disastrous for business and drastically reduce quality of life for city dwellers as well as visitors.

“We live in a small city, why divide it into six? Each area works with the others and needs the others to support it commercially," he said.

“It’s not necessary – do not divide this city. We are not in Glasgow or Manchester – although it probably wouldn’t happen in Manchester, only in Oxford could something so crazy be put forward as an idea.

“They are experimenting on us. It’s a giant experiment at the expense of those who run businesses and those who live in the city.”

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