Traffic calming measures to be carried out in Banbury residential neighbourhood

Traffic calming measures will be carried out on a residential road in Banbury as part of a scheme to improve traffic flow and increase safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Oxfordshire County Council will begin work on the project in Bankside between April and July this year. The work is expected to last six weeks.

The scheme will involve the removal of existing chicanes, which will be replaced by speed cushions. An advisory cycle lane will be added on both carriageways, and a ramped zebra crossing will be installed near the access junction to the new Longford Park housing development. The junction will also include a footway link into the development.

Cllr Eddie Reeves, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways delivery and operations, said: “Many residents in the Bankside area are keen to see this work completed as soon as possible – it's been a long time coming for some – and we're really grateful to them for their patience.

"This project will improve the situation in the area and deliver on our priority to make Bankside, and the broader area between Banbury railway station and Longford Park, safer for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.”

The aim of the project is to improve traffic flow along Bankside, reduce vehicle speeds consistently, and to allow more room for cyclists, who will be given greater priority.

The traffic calming measures are being timed to coincide with planned road maintenance and resurfacing at Bankside, to reduce the disruption that the work causes to users. The work will cost £420,000, £150,000 of which is being paid for by developers’ contributions.

Oxfordshire County Council will need to carry out a series of phased road closures as the work progresses. Residents who are directly affected will be informed of the work in advance through a letter.