Crime & Safety
Oxfordshire motorists against new ‘quiet lane’ pilot scheme
A pilot set to involve 10 streets was approved unanimously at Oxfordshire County Council cabinet during a meeting on Tuesday.
The scheme will include physical barriers to traffic as well as 20 mph speed limits.
It will be enforced using experimental traffic regulation orders (ETROs), which will be subject to statutory consultation.
The authority says it plans to use streets where there are alternative routes available, and access would be maintained for residents, farmers, businesses, and emergency services.
Some Oxford motorists disagreed with the idea, with some calling for a ‘cyclist tax’ when we asked readers for their thoughts on the scheme.
One motorist Richard Price said: “If cyclists are get special treatment, then a tax for using the roads should be introduced. And before someone gets negative with me I cycle.”
Additionally Haji Abdul Karims said: “Cyclists should pay tax and have insurance if they want to use the road.”
But some drivers agreed with the move, arguing it could improve cyclist safety and reduce vehicle collisions with cyclists.
Naresh Sandhu said: “‘Quiet way’ routes are a brilliant idea. They allow people of all ages to get on a bike and move around safely without mixing with heavy traffic.
“It is much cheaper than building cycle lanes.”
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Connor Consyrag said: “I really think they do need separating.
“This morning I was at the junction at the top of Horspath Road. The bus at the lights was indicating left and getting ready for the lights to change to green.
“A middle aged woman with her helmet and safety gear appeared from a house, on an extended child carrier-bike with a child forced her way down the side of the bus until she had to mount the kerb, then cycled straight across the front of the bus with lights changing.”
But most motorists criticised the decision, alongside numerous other county decisions like speed limit changes and the recent introduction of the congestion charge as ‘more restrictions’.
One comment from Michelle Soinne said: “Last time I encountered something like this in Oxford, I ended up driving in circles for over half an hour trying to get to the next street.
“On my way, I encountered several other vehicles doing three-point turns, looking as lost as I was. Just avoid Oxford altogether.”
And Dominik Okuniewicz said: “Let’s ban all people who want to do something else than just take a walk.
“I mean parents dropping children to school and then trying to get to work, any taking of heavier shopping, couriers, basically anything except people wanting to live in paradise on Earth.”
A spokesman for the county council said: “Each scheme will be subject to statutory consultation, which will allow measures to be tested in practice, evidence to be collected and designs refined before any permanent decisions are made.”
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) made the change as part of a wider effort to reduce the environmental impact of care and support the NHS’s goal of reaching net zero.
The switch to lower-carbon inhalers was supported by changes in prescribing, additional staff training, and improved support for patients on correct inhaler use and disposal.
Sarah Poole, advanced clinical pharmacist lead in respiratory medicine at OUH, said: “This project shows that we don’t have to choose between high-quality patient care and protecting the environment – we can achieve both.
“For many patients, switching to a dry powder inhaler is clinically appropriate and significantly reduces carbon emissions.”
The trust reported an 18 per cent drop in carbon emissions from pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) in 2025/26 compared to the previous year, and a 22 per cent reduction since recording began in 2022/23.
This is estimated to equal a reduction of 300 tonnes of CO2e over 12 months, comparable to nearly 764,000 miles driven in a petrol car.
pMDIs, commonly known as ‘puffers’, contain a powerful greenhouse gas.
Though they remain essential for many people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are suitable for many patients and have a much lower environmental impact.
Clinicians across OUH are helping patients switch to DPIs where safe and appropriate, while also improving education on correct inhaler use in line with national guidelines.
Ms Poole said: “Good inhaler technique supports better health outcomes and helps avoid unnecessary additional treatment, which also reduces our environmental footprint.”
For patients who are not suitable for dry powder inhalers, alternative and novel options are also helping to reduce emissions by using lower-impact propellants.
Proper disposal of inhalers also plays a key role in reducing emissions.
Up to 30 per cent of the original gas can remain in an empty pMDI, which can be released into the atmosphere if sent to landfill.
Patients who use pMDIs are encouraged to return used or expired inhalers to community pharmacies for safe disposal.
Medicines make up about 25 per cent of the NHS’s carbon emissions in England, with inhalers accounting for three per cent.
Lisa Hofen, chief estates and facilities officer at OUH, said: “Reducing our carbon footprint is an essential part of how we deliver healthcare now and in the future.
“This significant reduction in emissions from inhalers shows the impact that clinical leadership, innovation and patient engagement can have when sustainability is embedded into everyday care.”
OUH now plans to expand staff training, develop more patient resources, and look into reintroducing inhaler recycling schemes.
The Witney Pride Festival began at midday on Saturday, May 23, with a march through the town from Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre to The Leys Recreation Ground.
At the park there was a festival including music, drinks and food, all under the sun.
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Mayor of Witney Jane Doughty said: “What a fantastic weekend at Witney Pride!
“Thank you all for the incredibly warm welcome.
“It’s a true privilege to serve as your mayor and to represent everyone in our wonderful, diverse town.”
At the festival there were performances by Banbury drag entertainer Miss Lightning, the Witney Vocals Choir and the Witney Guitar Club.
A spokesperson for the latter said: “We had a great time.”
In addition Amelia Lakes, Rokat, Kyle Finn and drag sensation Dosa Cat also performed, alongside Lady B, Nicolette Street, Amrick and Lucy Luscious Lips.
Local businesses were also encouraged to participate by decorating their shops with Pride flags and by setting up a stall at the event
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A spokesperson for The Shake and Sweet Shop witnessed the initial parade and was impressed.
They said: “Nice to get out, during a quiet minute and glimpse some of the colourful Witney Pride parade.
“What a wonderful sound and lovely to spot many of our customers. Hope the festival was as wonderful as the weather.”
Thames Valley Police has said they are concerned for the welfare of Jessica, who was last seen at 4pm on Tuesday, May 26, at Bicester Food and Wine.
The force believes she is travelling to Banbury town centre.
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A spokesperson for the Cherwell unit said: “Have you seen Jessica?
“She was last seen in Bicester food and wine around 4pm today. We believe she has travelled to Banbury Town centre.
“She frequents Garth Park and other parks in the Bicester area, but also the library.
“We are concerned for her welfare. If you see her, please call us on 999 quoting reference 1327 of today’s date.”
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