Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) will become permanent in East Oxford, councillors decided today (Tuesday, October 17).

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet agreed to continue the controversial traffic calming measures in Divinity Road, St Mary’s and St Clement’s.

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will replace the physical closures in Divinity Road, James Street and Magdalen Road.

The LTNs are residential areas where access to motorists is restricted.

They have been controversial since they were introduced in East Oxford on a trial basis in May 2022, with mass protests organised and bollards run over, burned and stolen.

But, following a three-hour meeting in County Hall, the cabinet of Liberal Democrat and Green councillors agreed with officer recommendations to keep the LTNs in East Oxford.

There will be exemptions for emergency services, waste and postal services and private hire vehicles.

A bollard will be placed at the junction of Jeune Street and St Clement's, and Jeune Street will be two-way south of the restriction.