The impact of traffic filters in Oxford will be measured with monitoring data, Oxfordshire County Council has announced ahead of the filters being trialled next year.

The detailed plan sets out what evidence the council will use to measure the predicted impacts of the traffic filters when the trial begins in the autumn of 2024.

“The monitoring and evaluation plan shows that we are already preparing to make sure the trial is a thorough test,” said councillor Duncan Enright, cabinet member for travel and development strategy.

READ MORE: What are traffic filters and how will they work?

The filters, which will be introduced at six locations in the city, will not permit private cars to use certain streets during operation hours unless an exemption applies or a permit is used.

It is part of a range of measures designed to improve bus services and walking and cycling facilities in Oxford and reduce traffic.

Oxford Mail: Traffic filters will be measured with monitoring data Traffic filters will be measured with monitoring data (Image: Ed Nix)

The council has now published a monitoring and evaluation plan, which details how it will measure the impact on road-user and bus journey times, the flow of traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists, as well as the economic impacts and effect on footfall at key locations.

“We expect traffic filters to have a big impact,” said Mr Enright.

“Residents and visitors should be able to enjoy faster, better buses, safer cycle routes and quieter streets with cleaner air.”

The development and publication of the plan follows the monitoring framework, published in November 2022, which stated that a detailed monitoring plan will be prepared well in advance of the start of the trial.

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Following a minimum six-month, and maximum 18-month trial, including a public consultation, the county council will decide whether, and in what form, traffic filters should be continued.

This decision will be informed by monitoring and evaluation of the filters’ effectiveness and impacts, as well as results from public consultation, and feedback from engagement with community groups and businesses.

During the trial, a monthly dashboard summary will give the county council, residents and other interested people a regular snapshot update on the trial traffic filters’ impacts.

Towards the end of the trial period, an evaluation report will provide a detailed assessment of the traffic filters, based on the full range of data, research and surveys.

The monitoring will also help to identify whether any changes would be required to the traffic filters to ensure the expected benefits are realised and to mitigate any negative impacts.

The monitoring and evaluation plan and supporting documents are available to view on the council website at https://bit.ly/3OMfPtL.