Banbury councillor seeks £102m investment to end traffic chaos around the town

Councillor Paul-Austin Sargent has called on Andy Burnham for urgent action to tackle congestion, improve road safety, strengthen public transport links and deliver the infrastructure needed to support the town's recent and future growth.

“Banbury is one of the few large towns that does not benefit from a ring road, bypass or a system of relief routes. The £100 million plus price tag compares with other schemes in England. The economic return totally justifies such an investment,” he said.

“It is vital that investment in transport infrastructure is planned on a town-wide basis rather than through isolated interventions.

"My proposals place residents, businesses and sustainable travel at the heart of a long-term plan for a better-connected Banbury. We need a new strategic transport vision for Banbury.”

Mr Sargent, councillor for Banbury Grimsbury & Castle, says the town needs a new access to the M40 motorway, new link roads around the town, upgrading and use of the canal towpath for walking and cycling and landscape infrastructure to ensure Banbury is protected.

He says improvements are also needed at the railway station.

Mr Sargent’s proposal, built on historic transport improvement reports and his own observation, highlights mounting pressures on the town's transport network, including congestion, increasing traffic volumes, public transport challenges and the need for improved walking and cycling connections – away from routes used by heavy traffic.

He argues that investment in transport infrastructure must keep pace with housing and economic development to ensure Banbury remains a thriving place to live, work and do business.

A key priority is improving ageing infrastructure, connection between neighbourhoods and reducing barriers that limit access to jobs, education, healthcare and services.

He said: "Banbury deserves a transport network that is fit for the future. For too long, residents have faced congestion, poor road conditions and limited transport choices. We need a joined-up strategy that delivers safer roads, reliable public transport, better facilities for walking and cycling, and the infrastructure necessary to support future growth.”

"This is about creating a town where people can move around safely and efficiently, whether by car, bus, bicycle or on foot. Investment in transport is investment in Banbury's economy, environment and quality of life.

“The Prime Minister has pledged to invest capital in decent infrastructure across the UK and a keen focus on regeneration; I’m taking him at his word.”

Mr Sargent’s vision also supports greater use of ‘active travel’, with proposals aimed at making walking and cycling safer and more attractive for everyday journeys. He identifies improved accessibility, reduced congestion and better air quality as important benefits of a more balanced transport system.

Alongside strategic infrastructure improvements, his plan calls for stronger public transport connections, recognising that many residents rely on buses to reach employment, education and healthcare. Better connectivity is seen as essential to tackling inequality and improving opportunities across Banbury's neighbourhoods.

He says new housing development must be accompanied by roads, public transport and infrastructure needed to support growing neighbourhoods.

“It is important that residents, businesses and community groups are enabled to co-produce whatever ensues,” said Mr Sargent.