Oxford News by HANA - Edition 10

Oxford Outlook: Crisis? What crisis?

WHEN is a temporary congestion charge not a temporary congestion charge? Answer: when it’s a permanent congestion charge!

Motorists, we learn this week, could be forced to pay a £5 ‘temporary’ congestion charge to access Oxford city centre.

Oxfordshire County Council says it is considering the creation of a two-year scheme in Oxford from this autumn. According to a BBC report in our latest newsletter, the charge would apply only to cars.

The scheme has been condemned by one Oxford MP and thousands of petitioners who say the charge would be “completely unfair” and would badly affect residents and businesses who are already struggling.

The council claims it’s needed due to delays to a planned trial of traffic filters caused by – surprise, surprise – the on-going closure of Botley Road for road and rail improvements.

Forgive my cynicism. But when has a revenue-raising authority ever called time on a ‘temporary’ revenue-raising measure like this one?

And where is the convincing proof that Oxford is gripped by a traffic congestion ‘crisis’ anyway? Rock up at any one of the Park and Ride sites and you’ll see that the vast majority of motorists are not taking their vehicles into the city centre.

Yes, there are brief mid-week peak-time queues on the Woodstock and Abingdon Roads when weary workers wend their way home, and again at weekends when they return in search of retail therapy to park beneath the Westgate shopping centre. But elsewhere, the city centre streets are largely traffic-free.

Botley Road, closed for more than two years, is a separate issue entirely – a civic scandal of shameful proportions that will neither be solved by a ‘temporary’ congestion charge nor by traffic filters. It requires something we seem to have lost in recent years – the will to just get things done, and reopen the blasted road!

• It’s not Oxfordshire County Council’s week. The authority has been forced to modify a plan to turn off more than half its 60,000 street lights overnight due to safety concerns. Part-time lighting, it estimates, could save 400 tonnes of carbon and more than £400,000 a year. Small wonder it refuses to give up on the idea, and is consulting on two new plans – one for rural areas and another for urban environments. The plans, the council claims, will be implemented only if supported locally. You have until 6 July to deliver your views robustly and emphatically. Fire at will.

Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor

Databox

• Oxford University, the world’s top-ranked university, boasts 72 Nobel Prize winners, three Fields Medalists and six Turing Award winners who have studied, worked or held visiting fellowships at the institution.

• The university comprises 39 constituent colleges and six permanent private halls, each with their own distinct histories, architectures and academic strengths.

• The university’s influence extends far beyond education, with over 4,750 associated businesses providing more than 120,000 jobs.

Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…

Hyper-local news articles

Temporary congestion charge for Oxford city centre receives backlash from MP and residents

BBC · June 11, 2025

Oxfordshire County Council's proposed £5 temporary congestion charge for accessing Oxford city centre is facing a significant backlash, with more than 4,000 signatures opposing it and criticism from local MP Anneliese Dodds. The council argues that the charge is essential to tackle traffic issues and improve air quality, while a public consultation is set to start later this month.

Read more at BBC (3 mins)

Oxford Bus Company welcomes plan to tackle 'devastating' traffic delays

BBC · June 7, 2025

The Oxford Bus Company is optimistic about collaborating with Oxfordshire County Council to tackle traffic issues exacerbated by the Botley Road closure, which has led to significant delays in bus journeys. With average travel times on key routes increasing, the council is set to discuss options for improving conditions, although the introduction of traffic filters has been delayed until at least 2026.

Read more at BBC (2 mins)

Immigration buildings to get makeover at Campsfield House in Kidlington

BBC News · June 11, 2025

Campsfield House, an immigration removal centre in Oxfordshire closed since 2018 due to safety concerns, is set for a £70 million renovation to increase its capacity to 400 men, as part of the UK government's efforts to bolster border security. The refurbishment, contracted to Galliford Try, includes creating 160 bed spaces and ongoing recruitment for staff, including detention engagement officers.

Read more at BBC News (1 min)

Bicester firefighter honoured with funeral procession

BBC · June 11, 2025

Bicester Fire Station is hosting a community tribute on Saturday at 10:00 BST to honour Jennie Logan, one of three victims of the tragic fire at Bicester Motion. The event will begin on Banbury Road and conclude with a minute's silence at the fire station, as the investigation into the incident wraps up.

Read more at BBC (2 mins)

Views wanted on Oxfordshire County Council's plan for turning off street lights

BBC · June 11, 2025

Oxfordshire County Council is considering a plan to turn off more than half its street lights overnight to save energy and support wildlife, with two proposed options for rural and urban areas. While the initiative could save £400,000 annually and reduce carbon emissions significantly, local councils have yet to express support for dimming or turning off lights.

Read more at BBC (2 mins)

Jewish staff oppose University of Oxford Gaza protest proceedings

BBC News · June 10, 2025

Jewish staff and emeritus at the University of Oxford have demanded the dismissal of disciplinary proceedings against 13 students from Oxford Action for Palestine, criticising the university's "heavy-handed" response to a pro-Palestinian protest. The signatories' open letter calls for a reevaluation of the university's stance and its ties to Israel, highlighting concerns over an alleged hostile environment for Jewish students without credible evidence linking the protest to antisemitism.

Read more at BBC News (3 mins)

Leander Club updates code of conduct after claims

BBC · June 6, 2025

The Leander Club has revamped its code of conduct in response to serious allegations of sexual assault and harassment against male athletes, prompting female rowers to refuse training with them due to safety concerns. In light of these events, the club is enhancing safeguarding measures and ensuring a thorough and confidential process for handling such allegations.

Read more at BBC (2 mins)

IonQ to buy Oxford Ionics for $1.08 billion to expand quantum computing research

Reuters ·

IonQ has acquired British quantum computing firm Oxford Ionics for $1.08 billion, aiming to boost its technological capabilities and market presence in the quantum sector. This strategic acquisition is set to accelerate advancements in quantum technologies.

Read more at Reuters (1 min)

BBC News · June 9, 2025

Garsington man pleads guilty to manslaughter

Daniel Gonzalez, 41, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of 79-year-old Matias Gonzalez in Garsington, Oxfordshire, following an incident on December 15. Originally charged with murder, Daniel remains in custody and is set to be sentenced on 13 June.

Read more at BBC News (1 min)

Clarkson's Farm fans reveal disappointment over ‘pub experts’

Cotswold Journal · June 11, 2025

In the finale of "Clarkson's Farm" Season 4, viewers expressed disappointment over pub experts Sue and Rachel Hawkins' costly revamp suggestions for The Farmer's Dog, including £40k on parasols, which clashed with Jeremy Clarkson's budget. Their abrupt exit before the reveal left fans frustrated, spotlighting a lack of solutions and communication that added unnecessary stress to the project.

Read more at Cotswold Journal (2 mins)

Oxfordshire police make 14 arrests in domestic abuse operation

BBC · June 10, 2025

Thames Valley Police arrested 14 individuals in a targeted operation against domestic abuse in Oxfordshire, with notable incidents including a suspect hiding in a cupboard to evade arrest. The initiative underscores the police's commitment to supporting victims and ensuring accountability for offenders, encouraging those affected by domestic abuse to seek help.

Read more at BBC (2 mins)

Thames Valley PC who smelled of alcohol blamed cough medicine

BBC · June 10, 2025

Thames Valley Police officer PC Darren Hall was found over double the alcohol limit while on duty, attributing his condition to cough mixture and a night of drinking; however, a toxicologist concluded his consumption could not account for his high breath alcohol level. Despite admitting to misconduct, he denied gross misconduct and received a three-year final written warning to deter similar behaviour in the future.

Read more at BBC (2 mins)

MP backs bid to save Horspath post office near Oxford

BBC News · June 10, 2025

Residents of Horspath are rallying to save their recently closed outreach post office, which they describe as "successful and well-used." Local MP Freddie van Mierlo has joined the fight by urging postal authorities to reconsider the closure, despite the Post Office citing declining customer sessions and nearby alternatives.

Read more at BBC News (1 min)

Oxford Cheetahs rider 'thankful' for fans' support after crash

BBC · June 6, 2025

Oxford Cheetahs rider Cameron Heeps is on the mend after a serious crash at Oxford Stadium, expressing gratitude to supporters for raising over £3,000 to replace his damaged bike. Despite experiencing significant discomfort, he remains hopeful to return to racing by June 18 against the Edinburgh Monarchs.

Read more at BBC (3 mins)

Property news

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All photos are credited to Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.

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