A film released by the county council in a bid to "set the record straight" on traffic filters has been likened to "a hostage video" by an opposition councillor.

County council leader Liz Leffman says in the video that the "conspiracy theories" being picked up by the national media are "causing real world harm and need to stop".

The scheme was deliberately misinterpreted by an online conspiracy theorist who suggested the council planned to divide the city into six zones, and residents would be permitted to drive only in their local zone as part of an initiative to combat global warming.

They added that electronic gates would be built "on key roads in and out of the city" to keep people confined in a "climate lockdown".

The online post went viral and police were called in over online abuse and death threats directed at councillors.

READ ALSO: Oxfordshire and Oxford city councillors abused over traffic filters

Ms Leffman says: “These conspiracy theories are causing real-world harm and need to stop.

"We have been receiving many calls and emails from worried residents in genuine fear that they might be locked in their own homes.

“This is categorically untrue and we are talking to you today to explain the truth, to reassure the residents and set the record straight.

“We want to be absolutely clear, we are not planning a climate lockdown or a lockdown of any kind."

Duncan Enright, the council’s cabinet member for travel, then adds: “The traffic filters will be installed as a trial on six roads in Oxford in 2024.

“They will not be physical barriers. They are not steel walls or electronic gates. They are simply traffic cameras that can read number plates”.

Later he stresses in the video that the filter trial will not “stop people from visiting loved ones”, as they can, for instance, use the ring road to access other suburbs. 

But he added the council was asking people to avoid inner city roads which suffered "awful congestion".

Liam Walker, Oxfordshire County Council's shadow cabinet member for highway management, said it was “like a hostage video”. 

He said: “It took us all by surprise – the video itself was very poor quality and didn't really answer the questions around the scheme.

"It was completely dystopian and they both looked very uncomfortable delivering it. 

“I don't think they were quite convinced by what they were saying to be honest. It was like it was a script they were reading for the first time.

READ ALSO: Plans for six traffic filters in Oxford approved

"The scheme is all about making money at the end of the day.”

The filters would be located on St Cross Road, Thames Street, St Clements and Hythe Bridge Street, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way.

Any driver going through a filter who is neither exempt nor using a permit would be charged a £70 penalty.

Blue-badge holders will be exempt from the scheme, and no restrictions will apply to cyclists, e-scooters, mopeds, buses, vans, taxis and emergency vehicles, in an effort to promote green travel.

A consultation of 5,700 residents found mixed responses.

The scheme may yet be delayed because of work to upgrade Oxford train station.

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

Profile: Miranda Norris Journalists news from the Oxford Mail