Replacement bollards for Low Traffic Neighbourhoods will be made of timber not steel, county council bosses have confirmed.
In January, LTN bollards were removed from 11 Oxford streets after they were repeatedly vandalised.
Bollards were removed at Bullingdon Road, Magdalen Road, Leopold Street, Divinity Road and Southfield Road in East Oxford.
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They were also removed at Junction Road, Crescent Road, Temple Road, Clive Road, Crowell Road and Beauchamp Lane in Temple Cowley.
The council was expected to replace the broken plastic bollards with steel ones in a scheme costing about £100,000 but has now said timber bollards is the preferred option.
Bill Cotton, the council's corporate director for environment and place said: "County council officers have very carefully reviewed the options available for more robust bollards. Steel bollards had initially been considered.
"However, potential issues were raised with using a particular type of steel bollard that may make them susceptible to further vandalism and theft.
"Having taken learning from other councils that experienced similar issues with vandalism and, following discussions with a range of suppliers, we concluded that wooden bollards would be a better solution.
"The bollards selected are a specialist product being purchased in bulk and so come with a long lead-in time. They are due to be installed in March.
"The council is committed to openness and transparency. Information on Oxford’s low traffic neighbourhoods areas, including a detailed set of FAQs, can be found on our web pages."
The council issued the statement following a letter to the Oxford Mail from Divinity Road resident Daniel Emlyn-Jones.
READ AGAIN: LTN bollards to be replaced
He wrote that he had been informed by a councillor about the change of plan regarding the replacement bollards.
Police have a ‘comprehensive plan in place’ ahead of a planned protest against the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods scheme tomorrow.
Anti-LTN campaigners are expected to descend on Oxford from across the country this weekend to protest the traffic calming scheme and so-called ’15 minute neighbourhoods’ proposals.
Among the speakers expected at the event in Broad Street on Saturday, February 18, are Covid-19 lockdown sceptics Dan Astin-Gregory, a You-Tuber, and campaigner Jonathan Tilt.
In a statement, detective chief superintendent Colin Paine of Thames Valley Police today said: “We will ensure there is a proportionate policing presence in place on Saturday and our priority will be to ensure the safety of all those engaging in the event, including road users, members of the public, event organisers and businesses.
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“Our neighbourhood policing teams will seek to engage with those in attendance, and will be available to speak to and address any questions or concerns you may have.”
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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