Lib Dem urges park-and-ride solution to traffic problems

11.20.00am GMT Tue 10th Jan 2006

David and I campaigning to ease Headiongton's traffic problems

The Oxford Mail has picked up the proposal from my Headington ward colleague, David Rundle, that the County Council must, as a matter of urgency, investiagate the possibility of a dedicated park-and-ride serving the John Radcliffe Hospital.

(To read David's letter to the County please visit www.stephentall.org.uk/news/232.html).

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Oxford Mail: Mon, 9th Jan, 2006.

COUNTY URGED TO ADD MORE PARK-AND-RIDES

A Liberal Democrat wants the number of park and ride centres to be increased and put at the centre of Oxford County Council's transport strategy over the next five years.

David Rundle, city councillor for Headington, has insisted drivers must be given a "realistic" alternative to driving into the city centre, he said, either by making the city's existing schemes larger or by finding a new site.

He said: "We all know the difficulties of traffic congestion in the areas of Headington and Marston -- and we all know that these will become even worse with the further expansion of Oxfordshire's hospital hub right in the middle of this area."

In a letter, he asked for funds to be set aside in Oxfordshire County Council's Local Transport Plan (LTP) for 2006 and 2011 to look at the problem.

He added: "In particular, I would encourage the county to discuss with the John Radcliffe Trust a dedicated park and ride site for their hospitals, with a shuttle-bus run by the JR itself."

Friday was the last chance for submissions to the county council regarding their plan.

The blueprint for traffic management will now be submitted for Government approval and should come into force in April.

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