OXFORD'S TRAFFIC EXAMINATION

This article review's Oxford's transport policy, which places the environment first and car commuting last. Because Oxford's traffic problems have been exceptionally acute, the measures taken to tackle them have been unusual. Oxford adopted a 'Balanced Transport Policy' in 1973, setting out several clear objectives, including: (1) limiting traffic growth; (2) improving environmental conditions in shopping and residential streets; (3) maintaining the commercial life of the city; and (4) improving accessibility for all groups of travellers. The policy also set the following order of priorities, to be used when allocating road space between competing demands; (1) the environment; (2) pedestrians; (3) public transport passengers; (4) cyclists; (5) drivers with disabilities; (6) commercial vehicles requiring access; (7) business people making short visits; (8) car-borne shoppers and visitors; and (9) car-borne commuters. On the whole this policy has been successful, and one of its basic features has been bus park and ride, which took several years to become established, but is now very popular. The promotion of cycle routes has also been successful, and car parking spaces are occupied for much shorter times. Traffic calming schemes seem to have strong public support but have been criticised by traders. Excess bus use has led to concerns about pollution in the centre. (TRRL)