East Oxford low traffic neighbourhoods
What are low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs)?
An LTN is an area where motorised traffic is prevented from taking shortcuts through a residential area by means of traffic filters. This creates quieter and safer streets where residents may feel safer and more comfortable when making local journeys by bus, by cycle or on foot.
All roads remain accessible, but drivers may have to find alternative routes.
Scheme background
The three low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Divinity Road area, St Clement's area, and St Mary's area are collectively known as the east Oxford LTNs.
The scheme has been implemented through an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) which runs for a maximum of 18 months. Signs were installed in April 2022, and planters and then bollards were installed between 16 and 20 May 2022, when the signs were then uncovered and the ETRO consultation officially started.
ETRO consultation and decision-making (2022/23)
A public consultation to gather views on the experimental trial of the east Oxford low-traffic neighbourhoods was open from 20 May until 30 November 2022.
A decision on whether to make the trial scheme permanent or remove it will be made by the county council’s cabinet in the summer/autumn of 2023. Officers will make recommendations based on factors including, but not limited to, any feedback received, data collected on traffic levels, annual air pollution data (expected in spring/summer 2023) and levels of walking and cycling in these areas.
Previous consultation
The east Oxford LTNs were consulted on between March and June 2021, through a series of workshops, engagement activities and a public consultation in June 2021.
The outcome of the engagement activities and public consultation was reported for Cabinet Member decision on 29 July 2021 at which time the decision was to undertake further engagement to address specific issues that had been identified. The report can be found here in item 4/21.
This resulted in some changes to the proposals which included
- Reduce the length of the two-way section in Howard Street, provide a contraflow cycle lane;
- Relocate filters on Howard Street and Barnet Street
- Redesign of the filter on Magdalen Road
The outcome of the additional engagement was reported to a Cabinet Member for Decision meeting on 16 December 2021, and it was approved by Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council to implement the proposals under an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO). The report can be found here in item 25/21.
Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs)
As a result of the LTN consultation, we identified that filter locations would split some CPZ zones, making it more difficult for residents to find parking spaces. To resolve this issue, it has been decided that permit holders can park in multiple zones.
Therefore, as part of the east Oxford Experimental Traffic Regulation Order, permit holders in MN and RH areas will be allowed to park in either zone. Permit holders for the RH zone will also be able to park in part of the CM zone, but CM permit holders will only be able to park in the existing zone. Map of changes to CPZs (pdf format, 311Kb).
Those eligible for permits will not be required to apply for new ones, and existing permits can be used for the period of the trial and renewed as normal, for the duration of the experiment.
Signs within the zones will be updated to show the combined prefixes i.e. MN/RH on the Magdalen North and South zones. Works will be coordinated with the implementation of the bollards which close the road to motor vehicles. Permit holders are reminded to check the signs when parking to ensure that they are parking legally within the prefix assigned to their permit.
Plans
Overview plans of the east Oxford LTN areas and locations of the filters are below along with details of a typical layout:
- Divinity Road area LTN (pdf format, 1.6Mb)
- St Clements area LTN (pdf format, 1.3Mb)
- St Marys area LTN (pdf format, 3.5Mb)
- Barnet Street (pdf format, 510Kb)
- Bullingdon Road (pdf format, 519Kb)
- Circus Street (pdf format, 528Kb)
- Howard Street (pdf format,549 Kb)
- James Street (pdf format, 531Kb)
- Leopold Street (pdf format, 429Kb)
- Magdalen Road (pdf format,458 Kb)
- Marston Street (pdf format, 431Kb)
- Stockmore Street (pdf format, 539Kb)
- Temple Street (pdf format, 431Kb)
- Typical layout (pdf format 2Mb)
The works implemented consist of planters, parking restrictions, and bollards as detailed in the ‘Typical layout’ document; supported by advanced signage at the LTN areas.
Whilst closures are in place all routes will be accessible via different routes. This plan (pdf format, 1.1Mb) shows filter locations and has some examples for accessing amenities around the filters
| Task | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Advance notification signs | Beginning of April 2022 | Complete |
| Commence implementation of signs | 19 April 2022 | Complete |
| Installation of planters | 16 - 19 May 2022 | Complete |
| Installation of bollards | 19 - 20 May 2022 | Complete |
| ETRO consultation 'go-live' | 20 May 2022 | Complete |
| Consultation end | October - November 2022 | Complete |
| Cabinet decision | Summer/Autumn 2023 |
More information
There is more information on our East Oxford low-traffic neighbourhoods – air quality, traffic sensors and data analysis page.
Also see our frequently asked questions page or email eastoxfordltn@oxfordshire.gov.uk