Tramway station drop-off solution agreed
13/01/2026
Following a meeting on Monday people can now be left closer to the building
Changes have been agreed to allow people to be dropped-off closer to Banbury Train Station when accessing the building from Tramway.
Following the access improvement project concerns were raised that the planned drop-off points were too far away and detrimental to the elderly, disabled and those carrying luggage.
Councillor Kieron Mallon has been pushing for Chiltern Railways and Oxfordshire County Council to find a better solution. Together with other local elected members he met with council officers a representative from Chiltern Railways at the site on Monday.
The solution agreed sees Chiltern Railways offer a 20-minute grace period in the car park to support those who cannot use the official drop off areas. Six new car drop off and pick up spaces will also be built by the Station Approach roundabout.
Councillor Mallon said: “Its been a hard slog to get the authorities to listen and, whilst its never great to retrofit schemes, at least the new proposals will be an improvement on the current drop off zone half way down Tramway.
“The 20 minute drop off in the new carpark will assist those with mobility problems or families with suitcases going on holiday.”
A Chiltern Railways spokesperson said: “Banbury Station’s redesigned west car park already provides for disabled parking in its design. We will make clear on signage that there is a 20-minute grace period within the car parks to support those that cannot use the official drop off areas at the north and east entrances of the station.
“Please note this is not intended as a formal drop-off location, and vehicles remaining beyond the 20-minute limit may be subject to a penalty to ensure parking spaces remain available for customers as intended.”
The extra six drop off and pick up points by the roundabout will be built by Oxfordshire County Council.
Councillor Judy Roberts (Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action) said: “Work to improve access to Banbury station is almost finished. The west car park is now open; three bus routes now serve the station connecting to Banbury hospital and wider areas; and a new segregated cycleway will connect with the future eastern active travel corridor.
“The final stage of work is planned for spring this year and will involve six new drop off bays plus one bay reserved for disabled passengers being built to the south of the new roundabout, subject to planning permission.
“Station customers can already be dropped off on Tramway Road, where they have exclusive access to the west car park if they are coming from the south. They can also use the drop-off and parking areas to the north and east of the station – with the north providing close access to the station front door – and the east multistorey car park.
“We will work with Chiltern Railways to inform station customers about the 20-minute grace period within the car parks.
“We always welcome the opportunity to talk with local representatives.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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