Driving instructors fear their jobs will become “considerably worse” when the traffic filters are introduced next year amid a risk that Oxford’s test centre may have to relocate.
Becky White, 55, a driving instructor since 2019, said she “will have to give up her job” when the county council introduces six new bus gates once the Botley Road works are completed by Network Rail in 2024.
The filters, which restrict traffic from crossing the city centre at peak times, will be trialled on St Cross Road, Thames Street, Hythe Bridge Street, St Clement’s, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way as part of the council’s ambitions to reduce traffic and improve bus journey times.
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Ms White said the council’s plans to introduce a traffic filter on Hollow Way, close to the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) test centre on James Wolfe Road, meant there was a “risk” the centre could be forced to move out of Oxford due to increased traffic congestion and the enforcement of fines.
A DVSA spokesman confirmed all driving test centres have been kept under “constant review”.
However, he said that it was “considering how the new traffic scheme in Oxford may affect driving tests”.
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Ms White revealed she fears sitting in traffic for hours when the bus gates are enforced.
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She said: “Currently there is no point running driving lessons for learners at around 4pm as it is almost impossible to practice around Oxford’s junctions and roundabouts.
“It is solid traffic, and it will mean I have no choice but to give up my job.”
Duncan Enright, county councillor and cabinet member for travel and development strategy said: “We have received representations from driving instructors regarding exemptions through the proposed traffic filters which the county council is currently reviewing.
“I am discussing these with officers.”
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Ms White said the Hollow Way bus gate will make it “incredibly difficult” to reach students who live in north Oxford, and she said instructors were already “massively disrupted” by the introduction of low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs).
The council has said LTNs aim to create quieter and safer streets where residents feel more comfortable when making local journeys by cycling, wheeling or on foot.
Ms White said: “I’m spending at least an hour between each lesson, while it used to only take 15 minutes to reach the next job.
“When the bus gates come in, my day will increase from eight hours to 12 hours with no more money and more fuel costs.”
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Marco Polo, who has run Marco Polo Driving School in Oxford for 20 years, said: “It is a complete shambles because of the LTNs.
“It is taking longer to reach lessons and I’m polluting in my car nearly ten times more.
"I cannot stop working because I need to pay the bills.
“I’m forced to pass on the extra expenses onto students’ lesson charges.
“The council simply doesn’t listen.”
Mr Enright said: “Oxford has a serious traffic problem.
"Doing nothing is not an option.
“Tackling this chronic issue can help everyone including our local businesses.
“Traffic filters are intended to reduce traffic across the city and make it easier to get around.”
Mr Enright confirmed that during the trial of the traffic filters a further public consultation will take place which will help the council decide as to whether to make the measures permanent.
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Ed specialises in writing political stories for the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times.
He joined in the team in February 2023, after completing a History undergraduate degree at the University of York and studying for his NCTJ diploma in London.
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