The Independent Oxford Alliance (IOA) is deeply disappointed about the Motion passed by Oxford City Council yesterday evening.
The Motion, which was originally intended to address divisive non-evidence-based transport policies, particularly their unfair impact on poorer members of our community and specific ethnic groups, was tabled by ex-Labour ‘Independent Group’ councillors Ajaz Rehman and Shaista Aziz.
During the debate on Monday 18th March these Independent councillors presented clear reasons why the Council’s current transport policies are not working for everyone.
However, the IOA express disappointment that the original intent of the Motion was fundamentally weakened by Labour Councillors who requested significant, last-minute amendments.
The amended motion is now so drastically altered that it fails to achieve its original purpose; addressing genuine concerns raised by Oxford residents.
The Labour amendment diluted the Motion in three important ways.
- Instead of asking the County Council to ‘cancel’ divisive non-evidence-based transport policies, the City Council is only going to asking that those policies be ‘amended’.
- Rather than excluding NHS staff and school teachers from the proposed Workplace Parking Levy (WPL), Oxford City Council voted only to ensure NHS and school staff ‘have safe, convenient, affordable travel options’.
- The City is not going to ask the County to ‘scrap plans for divisive traffic filters, which are not evidence based’ as proposed in the original motion. It is now going to request that the County Council ‘commit to public and independent evaluation of the traffic filter trials against agreed success criteria before any decision to make them permanent’.
This damaging amendment to a laudable motion is not an isolated incident. It is just another example, among many, where attempts to reflect the majority view of Oxford residents have been utterly disregarded by sitting Councillors.
Chaka Artwell, IOA candidate for Barton and Sandhills, commented ‘There is no escaping the ethnic, and tribal divisions at March’s Full Council meeting, and the lack of real support from the City Council for the people of Oxford, particularly for Oxford’s ethnic and working-class people who are being most affected by these anti-car measures.’
The Independent Oxford Alliance believes that it is crucial to listen to the voices of all residents and to enact policies that are fair and inclusive for everyone. Will continue to advocate for evidence-based transport policies that consider the needs of all members of our community, regardless of their socioeconomic status or ethnic background.
We know that the NHS and schools in Oxford are already losing the fight to recruit and retain staff due to the impact of the LTNs – they need immediate solutions that do not involve long commutes before and after a 12-hour shift.
Our shared experience of the County Cabinet Member for Transport Management making the East Oxford LTNs permanent last October, in the face of strong evidence of the harms they are causing, makes it hard to believe any “public and independent evaluation of the traffic filter trials against agreed success criteria” will be heeded before he, once again, proceeds with his intent to make them permanent.
However, yesterday’s motion to remove the LTN scheme in Oxford demonstrates that Independents are now having a positive and profound impact on local politics.
Independent Oxford Alliance candidate for Rosehill and Iffley, David Henwood, who was watching the meeting from the Gallery, said ‘Labour Councillors have expertly claimed to support the motion while succeeding in securing amendments that take away all its power to make a significant difference. It is obvious that Labour are trying to project a change of heart prior to the election, whilst effectively maintaining their support for restrictive measures. Labour have demonstrated they are not listening to the residents and businesses of Oxford.’
Dr Anne Gwinnett, Chair of the IOA concludes ‘It is imperative that the City Council takes genuine steps to restore citizens’ trust in democracy in addressing the pressing issues facing our city. This is precisely why the IOA exists. Our Councillors (when elected) will listen to the people, look at the evidence and work towards policies that truly benefit all Oxford residents.’
The people of Oxford now have a real choice at the City Council election ballot box.
2nd May will be Indpendents Day.