Keep Walton Street closed to through traffic

Oxfordshire County Council

The closure of Walton Street was first caused by a sink hole that took several months to repair. This accidental closure was found to have a number of beneficial consequences:

·       Traffic passing through the area without stopping was eliminated reducing the total number of cars travelling along Walton Street and Kingston Road significantly

·       Traffic flowed more smoothly along Beaumont Street, once the traffic lights at the bottom of Walton Street were switched off.

·       Air pollution along Walton Street and beyond decreased substantially, due to both less traffic overall and less queuing at junctions.

·       The Walton Street area became safer and more pleasant for cyclists and pedestrians.

·       Most businesses in the area did not experienced any noticeable drop in trade.

For these reasons we ask that Walton Street remain closed.

Unfortunately, a number of residents have been adversely affected, in particular those who drive in and out of Jericho heading West, and the residents of Observatory Street and St Bernard’s Road who are experiencing higher levels of traffic. Also, hasty implementation of the scheme has led to some teething problems that still need to be addressed such as a lack of clear signage and no planning of delivery vehicle routes.

We believe these teething problems can be overcome and there is no need to reopen the road. Furthermore, we believe that the closure should be considered a necessary measure in the wider context of an overall reduction of car use in the city as a whole, in response to climate change.

To: Oxfordshire County Council
From: [Your Name]

We call on Oxfordshire County Council to keep Walton Street closed to through traffic, but at the same time to immediately implement measures that will tackle the problems associated with the scheme.

These may include ‘no through traffic’ or ‘access only’ signage at appropriate sites throughout the Jericho / Walton Manor area; easier access for buses and emergency vehicles; carefully planned delivery access routes; and solutions to increased traffic that might arise in St Bernard’s Road and Observatory Street.

These changes should be implemented as part of a comprehensive consultation with residents and other key stakeholders.