Changes to Oxford's station square area have been finalised by county transport bosses, writes Roseena Parveen.

Embarrassed council officers have admitted there are design faults that need to be changed after complaints that certain sections are unsafe.

Yesterday, the highways and road safety sub-committee agreed to implement recommendations by the Oxford Transport Strategy working party. Cobblestones next to the bus stops at station junction are already being ripped up and replaced to provide a smoother, safer surface for cyclists and buses. Work is expected to be completed this week.

The council has also agreed to create an extra left-lane exit for cyclists leaving the train station. Discussions are under way with Railtrack, which owns the land where the new lane will be, and the Said Business School, which has hoardings erected there as work continues. Eddie Luck, assistant director of environmental services, said: "We hope to start work on the new lane early next year. We want to avoid disrupting traffic in the run-up to Christmas.

"The lane is agreed in principle. We still have to agree matters with Railtrack and the business school, then design it." Pedestrian crossings from outside the Royal Oxford Hotel on to the central island in station junction are to be made safer with the introduction of new signals.

A motion by councillor Don Seale to put up signs asking cyclists to dismount as they approached the Botley Road railway bridge near the train station was rejected after officers pointed out the move may not be safe.

Cllr Seale said: "While all these investigations into improving the area continue, cyclists are still riding under the bridge. We have to do something or there will be an accident before long." Mr Luck said: "It doesn't make sense to have cyclists pushing bikes on the footpath. It would force pedestrians on to the road."

The committee decided to put up warning signs to make motorists more aware of cyclists.