Major improvements for bus passengers in Oxford have led to a national award.

Oxfordshire County Council received the accolade at the National Transport Awards ceremony in Birmingham.

The award was in recognition of the increase in bus use as a result of the Oxford Transport Strategy and the council's efforts in encouraging "significant investment" by bus companies.

Prof David Begg, senior adviser to the Government on transport policy, presented the buses award to councillors and council officers. The awards covered nine categories.

Councillorr Anne Purse, who attended the ceremony, said: "This is well-deserved recognition of the work we have done to promote bus use across the county.

"In Oxford, we have built close relationships with forward-thinking bus companies and succeeded in making the city one of the least car-dependent cities in the country.

"It is vital that we continue to improve the alternatives to car travel if we are to see a further reduction in dependence on the car."

Peter Mann, the council's group manager for transport planning, said: "We have made huge steps over the past couple of years in getting more people on to buses, and making Oxford more accessible by bus.

"The bus gate in the High Street and bus lanes across the city have improved the situation for bus drivers.

"Bus companies have responded to our OTS policies by investing more money in new buses.

"Oxford Bus Company has bought a whole new park-and-ride fleet, while Stagecoach has also made significant investment."

The OTS was introduced in 1999 to make the city more attractive to pedestrians and less attractive to drivers. Some traders say the roads scheme has reduced takings.