A group of independent councillors have set up a new Oxford-focussed political party aiming to win votes at the next local elections by fighting Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and other restrictions on traffic.
The Independent Oxford Alliance says people should have freedom of choice when it comes to modes of transport.
While congestion is a challenge in the city, it must be recognised that car journeys are a vital component of a range of options that enable individuals to move around the city effectively.
The City Council has introduced LTNs in an attempt to increase walking and cycling.
However the IOA believes existing political parties in the city have “disregarded the freedom, equality and accountability that are essential components of democracy,” and “Local consultations are designed to steer results in a particular direction and objections to proposals are ignored.”
It says the best way to encourage less vehicular traffic and congestion in the city is to provide effective alternatives to car travel and organise routes to facilitate traffic movement, including one-way systems that avoid bottlenecks in built up areas, and thus keep traffic flowing.
(Picture – Oxfordshire County Council, 2021)
