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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Councillor Emily Kerr, Oxfordshire’s active travel and cycling champion expressed her support for the proposals (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

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.”