A bus free city centre?
When was the last time you walked through Oxford centre, only for a bus to miss knocking you down by a whisker? I mean, it would be my own fault. I try not to make a habit of stepping out into roads without looking, but it’s easily done, if only to walk round someone.
Which is why the plans to pedestrianise Queen Street, George Street and Magdalen Street strike me as being rather sensible. I understand the concerns of shop owners – and of the bus companies themselves – but it would certainly make it safer for shoppers and visitors alike, as well as for rather absent minded people like me.
Oxford City Council are currently holding consultation meetings about the proposed plans, with the majority of concerns focusing on how much harder it will be for people to get into the centre. Despite this, I think it’s pretty inevitable although the issue of money is bound to raise its ugly head. As far as I know, over £1m has already been allocated, although I’m yet to see the official figures of estimated costs.
We could be looking as soon as 2010 if it’s given the go-ahead, but until then, make sure you keep an eye out for those pesky Oxford buses.
I have to say that I am not a particular bus lover, but they definitely are needed. I like the idea of a pedestrianised centre and I suppose it is safer, but I don’t want to have to walk for miles to find the nearest bus stop! We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
Tags: Oxford buses, Oxford City Council
