Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet members travelled to work without their vehicles for World Car Free Day, as roadworks cause traffic misery in Oxford.  

The cabinet travelled to work by using public transport, riding their bike or walking.

The day aims to encourage people to be less dependent on their vehicles and try alternatives.

Oxford Mail: Cllr Liz Leffman using public transport, and Liz Leffman with Phil Southall Cllr Liz Leffman using public transport, and Liz Leffman with Phil Southall

However, this year’s World Car Free Day comes traffic in Oxford is in chaos due to road closures and water works, which saw delays of up to one hour yesterday.

Traffic was tailed back along Botley Road due to a closure on Frideswide Square to strengthen the bus stop and the running lanes, while Thames Water works also caused major delays with temporary lights on Thames Street.

Oxford Mail: Cllr Duncan Enright and Cllr Glynis Phillips using public transport Cllr Duncan Enright and Cllr Glynis Phillips using public transport

Oxfordshire County Council has said the work in Frideswide Square will continue until Friday.

Councillor Duncan Enright, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for travel and development strategy, said: “Residents and businesses have been pushing at an open door when asking the new Fair Deal Alliance County Cabinet for urgent action to address traffic congestion, health issues caused by pollution, the climate emergency and taking the opportunity to promote healthy ways to travel.

“World Car Free Day is an opportunity for the Cabinet to demonstrate our commitment to active and public transport, so we will be travelling to meetings in County Hall that day by walking, cycling, bus, taxi or rail.

“Fewer car journeys mean cleaner, safer travel across the county, as well as reducing our impact on the environment, and is emblematic of our many policies and initiatives, now under way, to move to sustainable travel in Oxfordshire.”