By Oxfordshire County Council’s decision to close Walton Street in Jericho has resulted in strong feelings and a division of ideas between local residents.
The Council explains, in short, that they closed the road in an attempt to improve air quality, as well as reduce congestion in the area.
This move was welcomed by some residents, whilst at the same time, vehemently objected to by others.
Those who disagree with the closure have, amongst other things, requested the council to reopen the road and conduct six months of data collection to receive a baseline report, before the start of a formal public consultation period.
Those who embrace the closure believe that the streets are better closed and should be repurposed as a cycle route.
The ‘Don’t Choke Jericho’ group note that they are ‘tired’ of the way arguments over Walton Street closures are dividing the community and have released a comprehensive 23 page document outlining suggestions for the area.
The group explain that the document as a ‘work in progress,’ and that ideas presented are designed to be exploratory. The group also encourage those with comments or constructive criticism to reach out and provide their feedback.
Amongst the many concepts outlined in the document is one to include a ‘main car-free area’ (shown in red) from the Health Centre to Juxon Street, with a ‘car crossing’ at Cranham Street.
It also suggests a ‘top of street extension’ (shown in yellow) from Juxon street to the chicanes outside o f the bike store which would mean that ‘all traffic in and out of Jericho would now need to use the southern end of Walton Street, as all exits to the North would be closed.’
The group draw inspiration for their concept from Orford Road in Waltham Forest which boasts wider pavements, cycle access but no through access for cars or taxis.
The group also promote the use of bus gates, an action which has been gaining traction across Oxford recently. The document explains:
“With the bus gate in place, only buses and taxis will be heading along Beaumont Street, meaning that traffic can flow freely out of Walton Street heading east. There would be no need for the traffic lights to be reinstated, meaning much less idling and pollution at the South end of Walton Street.”
The presentation outlines many more ideas, concepts and plans that the group have created with the purpose of ‘settling the matter’ between residents and creating a workable compromise.
There are a series of Zoom call consultations planned in which feedback can be given on the group’s plans and locals are encouraged to register online to provide their thoughts.
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