The Independent Oxford Alliance (IOA) has today launched its “Alternative Approach to Transport Planning in Oxfordshire,” ahead of the County Council elections on 1st May. This announcement directly addresses recent criticism that the party has opposed current traffic measures without offering credible alternatives.
The Independent Oxford Alliance has consistently opposed Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), which were introduced by Oxfordshire County Council under the current Cabinet Member for Transport Management, Councillor Andrew Gant. Despite around 80% of businesses and 60% of residents1 objecting in the Council’s own consultation, LTNs were implemented and then made permanent. The result has been record levels of congestion and rising pollution in areas across the city. Roads are gridlocked, and emergency service workers, care workers, and businesses have all reported severe disruption.
Removing these LTNs will be IOA’s first step in easing traffic and reducing emissions.
But we plan to go further.
We’ve worked with local people who understand how Oxford’s roads function—both before and after LTNs. Input has come from bus companies, licensed taxi drivers, local businesses, and residents who experience the effects of traffic policies every day. With their help, we’ve developed proposals that take a more practical, evidence-based approach to transport planning.
As a case study, the Independent Oxford Alliance is today publishing a proposal to improve traffic flow at The Plain roundabout—now a major pinch point causing tailbacks across several key routes into the city. Our plan combines the removal of LTN restrictions nearby with targeted road layout changes to reduce congestion and improve safety.
These proposals are not final. When elected, IOA County Councillors will hold further public consultations and review all feedback before taking any action.
IOA is committed to ongoing monitoring and adjustment of its proposed measures. If something doesn’t work, we’ll change it. This is a clear departure from the current Council’s approach, which has ignored public input and locked the city into flawed schemes under the false label of “trials.”
Instead of layering on more charges — Traffic Filters, an expanded Zero Emission Zone, Workplace Parking Levies, and more Controlled Parking Zones — we’re offering a local, flexible, and responsive way forward.
The Independent Oxford Alliance believes that Oxfordshire deserves transport policy shaped by local knowledge, not imposed ideology.
We’re ready to get Oxford moving again.
- OXFORD – EAST OXFORD LOW TRAFFIC NEIGHBOURHOODS Report by Owen Jenkins, Director for Growth and Economy, Oxfordshire County Council.
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The following documents are available for download: