Businesses in Oxford have responded to a range of proposed measures to enable pedestrians and cyclists to maintain social distances once shops reopen in the city centre later this month.
Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council, the transport authority for Oxford, are working together on a range of proposals for the city, including new bike parking, segregated cycle lanes, wider footpaths, pedestrianising roads, and zones for outdoor tables and chairs.
Over the last week, the city council has surveyed businesses across the city to get their views on the measures being considered.
In total, 191 organisations responded, including some of Oxford’s largest employers, small and large retailers and hospitality businesses, cultural organisations, NHS institutions and university colleges.
The highest level of support was for more secure cycle parking (92% in favour), road closures and safety measures outside schools (83%), new segregated cycle ways (81%) and new zones for outdoor tables and chairs (81%).
The lowest level of support was for restricted central area parking (46%), new time windows for collections and deliveries within the city centre (49%) and a new 20mph speed limit on the main traffic routes (65%).
The responses will be used to inform decisions by the county council over the coming days on the best ways to enable pedestrians and cyclists to practice social distancing while travelling into and around Oxford.
Councillor Tom Hayes, Oxford City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for Green Transport and Zero Carbon Oxford, said: “Local businesses have sent a very clear signal.
“We’re seeing very high levels of support for more secure cycle, road closures and safety measures outside schools, new separate and safe cycle ways, and new zones for outdoor tables and chairs.
“Our clear aim is to make changes in the areas where we exercise control and to continue influencing our partners to use their powers in the interest of public safety.”
Oxford City Council has committed £234,000 to the measures, with further funding announcements for improvements to Oxford – including from the county council – expected soon.
It follows the government’s announcement last month of £250m of emergency funds to support projects to encourage safe pedestrian and cycle movement in cities nationwide.
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