The delay to the Botley Road closure in Oxford has prompted the city council to talk of a reset and more engagement before the controversial traffic filters come into force.
Network Rail announced on July 11 that a further delay would occur to the work to upgrade Oxford Station which would mean Botley Road would stay closed longer. It was due to re-open in October.
Oxfordshire County Council then issued a statement to say it was ‘deeply dissatisfied and frustrated’ over the delay.
In a statement issued on July 19 the council said: “The only feasible option is for the council to wait and run the trial after Network Rail completes its work. The council is now waiting for Network Rail and the Department for Transport to confirm if work will continue and when it will be complete.”
Now Cllr Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council has released her own response to the county.
She said: “This is very regrettable as there is an immediate need to get buses moving, make cycling safer and to clean up the air for our children’s lungs.
“Nonetheless it now presents an opportunity for a reset and focus on more engagement with local residents and businesses about joined up improvements in public transport, traffic filters and other measures to tackle congestion and better cycling and walking routes around the city.”
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