New scheme will ban through traffic to make streets calmer and safer
20/05/2026
Minor roads which are used as cut throughs should benefit
Motor vehicles will restricted on a number of Oxfordshire roads to make them feel calmer and safer for those walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding.
Oxfordshire County Council’s plan to introduce “Quiet Lanes” will be targeted at minor roads with the aim of removing through traffic.
By reducing the number and speed of vehicles the risk and severity of collisions can be lowered.
The council says that journey times for drivers will usually only be slightly affected because suitable alternative routes must be available. Access will be maintained for residents, farmers, businesses and emergency services.
Quiet Lanes will only be introduced where there is strong local support.
The scheme was introduced by the council’s new Cabinet Member for Transport Management. Councillor Rebekah Fletcher took over from Councillor Andrew Gant last week. She said: “Quiet lanes are about making sure local roads work for the communities that live there, not as cut-throughs for traffic they were never designed to carry.
“This new approach will help us to prioritise walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding, and give us a clear and consistent way to provide quiet lanes where there is strong local support. We will use evidence to make sure schemes are safe, effective and sensitive to their surroundings. By piloting schemes first, we can get them right before any permanent decisions are made.”
Over the next few months areas will be sought to join a pilot of the scheme. The streets selected will see the introduction of physical measures to prohibit through traffic, such as gates and bollards, along with quiet lane signage and speed limit changes – usually a reduction to 20mph.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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