The delay in reopening Botley Road has cost Oxford millions, raising concerns about traffic filters and future city planning.
Oxford: The delay in reopening Botley Road is turning into a costly affair. So far, it has set the city back by £2.7 million. That’s a hefty sum, right?
Business leaders are hoping this delay might actually work in their favor. They think it could put an end to the plan for six new traffic filters in the city center.
Rail minister Lord Hendy dropped by last Friday and announced that Botley Road won’t be back in action until August 2026. That’s a long wait!
The road has been closed since April 2023 as part of a big £161 million project to upgrade Oxford station. But the delays just keep piling up.
Residents and businesses were told last week that the closure would stick around until next August. It’s frustrating for everyone involved.
County council leaders had plans for six new traffic filters to help ease congestion, but they’ve decided to hold off until Botley Road reopens, even after spending £2.7 million already.
Andrew Gant, who’s in charge of transport management for the county, said they’ll kick off the traffic filters trial once the road is back open. In the meantime, they’re looking for ways to improve travel around the city.
He mentioned that the filters are meant to cut down on congestion and make bus travel quicker and more reliable. Plus, they’ve got a fleet of 159 new electric buses hitting the streets!
Back in November 2022, officials recommended waiting to implement the traffic filters until after Botley Road reopened. Seems like a smart move now, doesn’t it?
A council spokeswoman confirmed that they’ve already spent £2.7 million on the traffic filters trial. That’s a lot of cash for something that’s not even in action yet.
Recently, Liz Brighouse, the leader of the county council’s Labour group, called for the traffic filter trial to be scrapped. She pointed out that there’s not much public support for it anymore.
Julian Le Vay from West Oxford Access, a community group, is keeping an open mind about the traffic filters. But he’s noticed that the road closure and other measures have made travel times longer.
With 18 months until Botley Road reopens, he thinks it’s time for the county council to stop spending on traffic filters.
Graham Jones from ROX, a local business group, expressed his disappointment over the extended closure. He sees a silver lining, though, hoping it might help their campaign against the traffic filters.
He believes the council needs to come up with a new plan that doesn’t involve those filters. It’s time for fresh ideas!
Last month, the government hinted at restructuring local government, which could lead to a new unitary authority in Oxfordshire. Change is definitely in the air!
