Congestion charge transport boss ‘should get a knighthood’

Theo Hopkins, who lives in Oxford, said his life has improved as a result of new traffic restrictions now in place.

Drivers without permits or exemption are now fined if they pass through six congestion charge points in the city, and there are other measures in place controlling traffic, including LTNs (Low Traffic Neighbourhoods).

READ MORE: Congestion charge boss speaks

Mr Hopkins said Andrew Gant, who stood down as the county’s transport boss earlier this month after four years in charge, deserves special recognition “for the benefit he has brought to society”.

He said in a letter: “As an octogenarian with mobility problems I would like to thank Andrew Gant, the retiring lead at Oxfordshire County Council for transport, for his visionary provision of LTNs and 20mph urban speed limits in Oxford.

“These make my trips (or to be honest, ‘shuffles’) to the shops and the health centre safer and more pleasant.

“Further, seeing the non-stop, vociferous and personal attacks on social media that he has courageously fended off, I suggest he is awarded a knighthood for the benefits he has brought to society.

 “Sir Andrew Gant would sound good.”

Oxfordshire county councillor Andrew Gant (Image: Contributed)

Anyone can be nominated for a UK knighthood or damehood, provided they have made a major, inspirational contribution to national life, usually over a long period, or achieved something exceptional.

Nominations are open to all, including non-British citizens (who receive honorary awards), but nominees must still be actively involved in their field.

Anyone can submit a nomination for another person but you cannot nominate yourself.

Mr Gant, former cabinet member for transport management, was in charge of the introduction of the heavily debated zero emission zones and the temporary Oxford congestion charge.

A congestion charge sign (Image: Andy Ffrench)

The congestion charge points are set to become traffic filters at the end of August when the Botley Road reopens, following the completion of Network Rail work linked to improvements for Oxford rail station.

Mr Gant has been hit with personal attacks on social media throughout his time in office, including upon his departure.

He said earlier the abuse he received was “not reasonable in a democracy”, adding “it’s unpleasant, it’s unnecessary, it’s unhelpful and I wish it didn’t happen”.

He said: “You have to develop strategies as an individual, and mine is just not to read them.

“I don’t engage with social media at all, I just don’t, that’s been my strategy – and it’s worked.”

He stated that the personal hate “makes no contribution of any kind to the policy” adding, “if those people think that they’re somehow affecting the debate, they’re not”.

Asked if this had an impact on his choice to step away from the role, he said it had, explaining: “it’s a very demanding role for all sorts of reasons, and that is one of the things that makes it demanding, so yes, in a word”.

One of the highlights of Mr Gant’s time in charge of the roads was seeing new electric buses on the streets.

The Liberal Democrat remains a county councillor and represents the Wolvercote and Cutteslowe division. He is also a city councillor for Cutteslowe & Sunnymead.

Mr Gant said he would comment later on Mr Hopkins’ suggestion that he should be awarded a knighthood.