Prime Minister letter to scrap Oxford LTNs and halt filters

Amir Steve Ali, who stood as an independent candidate in Oxford East at the 2024 General Election, has written to the newly appointed Andy Burnham urging immediate action.

In his letter, he describes the schemes as “unfair” and argues they have been imposed despite opposition from residents and businesses during public consultations.

Mr Ali claims the measures have contributed to business closures and increasing congestion, particularly during peak hours. He wrote that Oxford is becoming “gridlocked” and warned the policies could “destroy” the city if they continue.

He said: “For the past years, I have been campaigning to help and give justice to the local businesses and members of the public in Oxford city,  as the majority have been suffering because of unfair traffic measures and congestion charges.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (Image: Ed Nix)

“My request is to scrap all the Oxford’s LTN’s and stop the Oxford’s Traffic Filters, which is being introduced very soon, otherwise Oxford city will be fully destroyed.”

He also raised concerns about the wider social impact, including longer journey times for disabled people, delays for carers and emergency services, and disruption for parents, workers and NHS staff.

“The majority members of the public get delayed to reach their destination and in many cases appointments get cancelled,” he said.

The letter is also critical of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC), with Mr Ali stating that council and transport leaders “are not fit for the jobs, as injustice has been served”.

He said: “OCC introduced these unfair traffic measures, and these issues have already been raised, but they just ignored it, they don’t care about people suffering […] and they only do what they think is right.”

He is now urging the Prime Minister to intervene, calling for all LTNs in Oxford to be removed and for the planned traffic filters scheme to be stopped before implementation.

In response, the council defended its approach, saying its policies are aimed at improving transport and public health.

A spokesperson said: “Our transport policies are designed to help create a healthier, more accessible, and attractive county, where people’s journeys [are] quicker, better connected and more reliable.

“Traffic filters will be implemented as a trial after Botley Road has reopened. Our monitoring of the scheme’s impacts, together with people’s feedback, will help us shape our future plans as we develop the best long-term solution for traffic in and around Oxford.”