Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan
Proposals aim to make Oxford and surrounding villages a safer, greener place to live, work and visit
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About the Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan (COTP)
The Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan is part of our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP).
What the LTCP aims to do
The LTCP sets out our vision for transport across Oxfordshire.
It aims to:
- help us reach a net‑zero transport system
- support a thriving and healthy county
- protect the environment
- make Oxfordshire a better place to live for everyone
It includes targets such as:
- reducing 1 in 4 car trips by 2030
- delivering a net-zero transport network by 2040 and
- having zero, or as close as possible, road fatalities or life-changing injuries by 2050.
How we will achieve this
We are developing travel plans for different parts of Oxfordshire. The Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan focuses on Oxford's urban area, key travel routes. As well as villages such as Kidlington, Eynsham, Botley, Cumnor, Kennington and Wheatley.
Video on COTP
Video transcript
Our vision for the future of transport in Oxfordshire is world-class.
A place where buses are reliable and affordable.
Where people can walk and cycle, in pleasant and safe environments.
And where high polluting and unnecessary car journeys take a back seat.
Making zero-emission buses, taxis and delivery vans the norm, and essential car journeys free of congestion.
The benefits are clear,
But how will we achieve all this?
Our Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan covers Oxford, Kidlington, Eynsham, Botley, Cumnor, Kennington and Wheatley.
It includes 23 actions to help realise our goals.
Key proposals include:
- A workplace parking levy for Oxford businesses with 11 or more staff parking spaces helping to fund transport improvements.
- Six new traffic filters across the city to make buses more reliable and cycling safer
- And a Zero Emission Zone in Oxford’s historic centre, to reduce polluting vehicles.
Our vision is for more reliable, greener and safer travel choices for all.
Keep updated on our proposals to keep Central Oxfordshire moving – sign up to our transport updates and events:
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/newsletter
Why is it needed?
Central Oxfordshire has limited road space, so efficient use is essential. Reliable buses, safer walking and cycling, and pleasant streets are needed for all. Lower priority should be given to unnecessary, high-polluting car trips. Zero-emission buses, taxis, and deliveries should become standard to reduce congestion.
The key challenges for Central Oxfordshire are:
- air pollution breaks legal limits, and transport emissions must fall fast
- new homes and jobs will add pressure to the transport network
- attractive sustainable travel: Levels of congestion cause unreliable journey times. Presently, sustainable travel options in the area have issues, including:
- average bus speeds in Oxford are declining on key routes
- traffic danger discourages people from cycling
- some communities face high levels of deprivation
- physical inactivity and obesity are rising concerns
What will it achieve?
The Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan is designed to achieve:
- zero-emission bus network, able to travel unhindered by congestion 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- safe cycle network that is safe and easy to use
- clean, attractive streets that support daily life and activity
- fewer car impacts, with clear roads for essential journeys
- net-zero transport for a net-zero city
- liveable neighbourhoods, where sustainable travel is the most attractive means of travel
- an inclusive transport network with a Vision Zero approach to transport safety
Proposals
We propose 23 actions to improve transport across Central Oxfordshire. Include three major proposals for Oxford City.
These projects are subject to detailed and separate consultations.
Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Consultation on the Draft Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan | 22 August – 13 October 2022 |
| Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan approved Cabinet (with amendments) | 29 November 2022 |
| Final Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan published | September 2023 |
| Implementation | 2023 - onwards |
Frequently asked questions
How will it be funded?
Funding for the Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan can come from several sources.
Sources include:
- Department for Transport
- national and local bidding opportunities
- council resources( including parking income)
- Community Infrastructure Levy
- s106 developer funding contributions
Much of this funding can only be used for transport.
The plan also proposes a Workplace Parking Levy in Oxford. This would apply to businesses with 11 or more parking spaces. It would operate within the city’s ring road.
By law, money raised through the levy must fund transport improvements. It could also help reduce unnecessary car journeys.
How will the plan be monitored?
Key performance indicators will track travel behaviour, journey times, emissions, and network conditions.
This includes
- walking and cycling rates
- bus performance and use
- car trips and ownership
- air quality impacts
- physical activity levels
- park and ride use
- road and path maintenance