TRAFFIC is continuing to flow along the Southern Ring Road around the Kennington roundabout this evening after the removal of the contraflow.

Motorists this morning saying that roads in the area are looking much better than they have been after the contraflow system was removed overnight.

The contraflow had been in place since July as part of the work to improve the Kennington roundabout and been causing severe delays in the area, including queuing back on the A34.

Traffic reports indicate traffic continues to flow smoothly through the area as people begin to make their way home.

Richard Perry, manager of Heyford Hill Sainsbury's, said it was a "vast improvement" and customers had already said the same. 

Twitter user @andrew_dubock said his morning commute seemed to have "normal service" resumed.

He added: "Bus journey through that area at around 7.15, which could take an extra 30 mins, was ridiculously smooth. No queues at all."

Between now and December 19 various lane closures are expected overnight as work is finished. 

Oxfordshire County Council said the signals at Kennington Roundabout will not yet be in operation, so a right turn ban would stay in place for traffic approaching Kennington Roundabout from Heyford and Abingdon Road directions. 

This morning, there were problems elsewhere, with congestion building up on the M40 at Bicester.

Motorists also saw delays as they approached Oxford, with traffic on the Woodstock Road coming off the A40 and the A34 busy.

The Headington roundabout was also reported to be congested. 

Stagecoach has told passengers that "due to unforeseen circumstances," the 7.15am S1 service from Witney to Oxford and the 8.36am service between Eynsham would not run.

The firm added that there had been a problem with one of its buses. 

Our top stories

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.