Sustainable travel prioritised in Oxfordshire town strategy

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet today (March 17) adopted its latest movement and place plan for Bicester and its surrounding area.

It will look to create a healthier, better connected and more sustainable future for the town and its surrounding villages over the next 25 years.

Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for place, environment and climate action, said: “Oxfordshire is embarking upon sustainable and positive change – placing people, communities and places at the heart of this decision making.

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“The movement and place plans, including one for Bicester and its surrounding villages, will be key to this.

“They reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities, help to protect our natural environment and deliver the homes, businesses and leisure facilities that our communities need and enjoy.”

The plan outlines 13 objectives and accompanying actions to create long-term transport strategy aspirations for the area.

Sustainable transport is to be prioritised in the new Bicester transport strategy (Image: Ed Nix)

They prioritise people walking, wheeling, cycling and using public transport over private car use. 

These include creating a comprehensive walking, wheeling and cycling network by providing high-quality routes, improving lighting and surface quality, and reducing severance caused by busy roads and rail lines. 

In addition the plan aims to implement public transport improvements including better bus frequencies, improved interchanges and long-term rail enhancements, such as exploring the opportunity for a new station in Ardley. 

Supporting economic growth and innovation is a key part, as is protecting nature and the environment, with a focus on improving public spaces and strengthening community identity. 

Sustainable transport is to be prioritised in the new Bicester transport strategy (Image: Stagecoach)

Currently 58,700 people live in Bicester and its neighbouring villages, but this is expected to rise to 66,100 by 2030.

Further growth is expected by 2050, says the county council, highlighting the need to address challenges such as congestion, air quality, rural accessibility, walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure and pressure on public transport.

Cllr Roberts added: “This area has received several planning applications which are likely to bring enormous changes so these plans will be regularly updated to reflect this.”

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There are 12 proposed movement and place plans for Oxfordshire that the council will be looking deliver over the next year or so.

They will act as supporting documents to the council’s wider local transport connectivity plan, which was adopted in 2022. 

In January, cabinet approved a movement and place plan for the Science Vale area, covering Wantage and Didcot, surrounding villages and the employment sites at Culham Campus, Harwell Campus and Milton Park.