In February 2022, Oxfordshire was approved funding of up to £8m to deliver 20mph zones, meaning these costs don’t come out of town or parish councils.

As part of Oxfordshire’s commitment to ‘Vision Zero’, communities are able to request the introduction of 20mph areas.

The county council has recently approved the decision to extend the existing 20mph speed limit on Old Road in Forest Hill between Headington and Wheatley near Oxford.

The council has also approved the decision to introduce a 20mph speed limit in Brightwell Baldwin near Wallingford as part of the Vision Zero project.

The county council says the scheme will make the roads safer and will encourage a smoother driving style with less stopping and starting.

It also says reduced acceleration and braking will help to reduce fuel consumption.

But, it seems most motorists disagree with the changes, arguing for the severe impact it could have for some.

One objection from Dave Finch said: “As a motorcycle rider I think this so dangerous.

“In cold weather a motorcycle rider needs a flow of cold air into their helmet to stop the visor steaming.

“At 20mph the motorcycle rider has to open up their visor to see where they are going.”

Another objection from Penny-Anne Payne said: “Back to the Dark Ages. Surprised they don’t bring back the red flag with a person walking in front with it.

“But then if the people who voted for these clowns are happy when it takes so long to get where they are going, why care?

“This money should being spent on things like potholes.”

READ MORE: All of Oxfordshire’s speed limit changes

Graham Gray also criticised the plans and said: “Nobody wants them. They are using more fuel, because vehicles are stuck in second gear and causing vast amounts of pollution, diesel buses break down more and its costly to replace the diesel emission equipment that the council must pay for.”

But some motorists agreed with the limits being implemented and the benefits safer roads could have.

Supporter Adam Brookes said: “It’s rather funny.

“Anyone who totally loses it over a few traffic restrictions is really not fit to be driving anyway.”

And Paul Williams said: “This makes no difference in Banbury. You are in traffic jam or driving around craters.”

Tony Brett, who stood to be a councillor in Oxford in the local elections this month, said: “Well the council was elected in a fair and lawful ballot.

Tony Brett

“On that basis it gets to decide what’s going to happen.

“Consultation is not a democratic process.

“It is designed to enable small tweaks, not policy change.”

The company has revealed plans to launch a phone plan built on the Virgin O2 network.

Monzo is offering a scheme where customers can save more money the longer they stay with the service.

Customers can get 5% off their monthly bill each year, potentially leading to a 30% discount over time.

Monzo to enter phone market with plan on Virgin O2 network

The bank, which has more than 15 million customers, is now allowing individuals to join a waiting list for the mobile service, which is set to roll out this summer.

Monzo’s entry into the mobile market is expected to increase competition among phone providers.

These providers are already facing challenges from new entrants like Revolut and Klarna.

The new Monzo plan features three different packages with varying data allowances.

These packages, which use a digital SIM card, are priced at £8, £12, and £20 a month.

Since 2025, new regulations have been put in place to prevent phone and broadband providers from unexpectedly increasing prices mid-contract.

However, some companies have faced criticism for raising prices for loyal customers in line with inflation.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves even wrote to company bosses last year, demanding better consumer protection.

Monzo has designed its plans to avoid these mid-contract price hikes by not tying customers into a yearly contract and not charging an exit fee.

However, this does not mean that Monzo cannot raise the prices of its plans at any time.

Recommended reading:

In the UK, only four providers operate their own network infrastructure: EE, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, and Three.

Monzo uses the Virgin Media O2 network for its service.

Earlier this year, Revolut, another financial firm, introduced a phone plan on the Vodafone network, with unlimited 5G, calls, and texts in the UK, priced at £12.50 a month.

What do you think about Monzo entering the mobile phone market? Let us know in the comments.

The Northern Bypass Road was closed heading westbound after Headington Roundabout from about 3am on Wednesday morning (May 27), while police dealt with a serious emergency incident.

A significant emergency response was seen on the road, with all traffic blocked from the westbound carriageway and the exit and entry slip roads at Marsh Lane until the afternoon.

READ MORE: Oxford: Man died in major police incident on A40 ring road

Thames Valley Police confirmed a man in his 20s died following reports of a fear for welfare incident, which occurred shortly after 2.45am.

Photos from the A40 near Headington after a fatal incident in the early hours of May 27 (Image: Matthew Evans)

A spokesperson for the force said: “Emergency services attended but sadly a man aged in his 20s was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“His death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

“His family have been informed and are being supported.”

Eyewitness Doug Lloyd, who saw forensic experts sweeping the scene nearby after the incident, said: “It was very quickly quite obvious to me that this was a very serious incident.

Photos from the A40 near Headington after a fatal incident in the early hours of Wednesday. Picture: Doug Lloyd (Image: Contributed)

“A blue police ‘crime scene’ tent and ‘crime scene’ investigators were visible just below the bridge over the A40 at Marsh Lane.

“The police presence was significant and they were doing a great job of securing the scene and ensuring the traffic kept moving as much as possible considering the circumstances.

“Motorists were being forced to turn around on the slip road off the A40 at Marsh Lane and re-join the dual carriageway.

Photos from the A40 near Headington after a fatal incident in the early hours of May 27 (Image: Matthew Evans)

“It’s devastating to hear that a young man has lost his life and my thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

READ MORE: A34 closure announced for junction slip roads scheme

Oxford Labour councillor Susanna Pressel also voiced her condolences.

Councillor Susanna Pressel (Image: Oxford City Council)

She said: “It’s very sad to hear about the death of this young man. My heart goes out to his family and friends at this awful time.”

Questions have been raised over whether Oxfordshire County Council should retrospectively suspend the congestion charge on Marston Ferry Road, which was active between 6am and 9am while the road was closed.

The council said it is ‘looking into’ the possibility of retrospectively suspending the morning’s charges, but has not confirmed at this stage.

Ms Pressel added: “It must have been grim for the hundreds of people stuck in traffic jams, especially if they were on their way to the hospital. I hope diversions were set up quickly.

“I think the county council should have suspended the congestion charge in Marston Ferry Road, if this is part of the diversion route.

Photos from the A40 near Headington after a fatal incident in the early hours of May 27 (Image: Cathy Sheldon)

READ MORE: New ‘high-quality’ mushroom business launched in Oxford

“However, the party that currently runs the council will probably not agree with me.

“At least that congestion charge point operates only from 6am to 9am and from 3pm to 6 pm, so many of the diverted drivers will not be affected, and it charges only £5.

“Pressure on the council to suspend the charge in emergencies such as this will be far greater later this year when the congestion charge is replaced by the traffic filters, as the charge then will be £35 if paid within 14 days.”

The John Radcliffe Hospital was contacted for comment on the impact of the road closure.