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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 49
Oxford News By Hana Edition 49
Signage of the times?
Mark Skipworth
April 02, 2026
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 49
Oxford Outlook: Signage of the times?
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Oxford’s 'no left turn' roundabout has the unwelcome distinction of being one of Britain’s most confusing traffic schemes. Now we learn that it is also a lucrative money spinner for Oxfordshire County Council which has raked in more than £600,000 in motoring fines at the city centre location.
It was back in September 2024 that the county council chose to install a camera on The Plain in order to catch drivers making left turns from Cowley Road on to Iffley Road.
The local authority has since collected £627,920 in fines at the busy roundabout, according to data gathered by the Oxford Mail. That’s a staggering amount of money generated by traffic restrictions at a single location.
Motorists complain that the roundabout’s inadequate signage has led to an unreasonable volume of fines. By contravening the ‘no left turn’ rule, they are confronted with a £70 penalty charge, discounted to £35 if paid within 21 days.
“It's highway robbery,” said one driver, adding that the signage was so poor visitors often missed the ‘no left turn’ approaching the roundabout from Cowley Road and were given no information about how to access Iffley Road without incurring a fine.
From my personal experience of The Plain, the ‘no left turn’ feels wrong. After all, you always turn left on a roundabout!
Except in Oxford, of course. If you’re approaching the roundabout from Cowley Road, you are not allowed to take the first exit left on to Iffley Road. Instead, you must enter the roundabout, go all the way around (almost a full loop), then exit on to Iffley Road. Get it?
Council elders insist that the restriction exists for safety – there’s a popular cycle lane on the left and a direct left turn would be tight and virtually blind. Motorists turning left, if allowed to do so, would cut right across cyclists going straight. Because of this, the left turn is banned and enforced by a camera. Fair enough, you might think.
Despite the ‘no left turn’ rule, it’s clear from the huge total in fines that these penalties are not an effective deterrant. And by the council’s own admission, the roundabout remains one of the most dangerous spots for cycling in Britain. For many making their daily journey into the city centre on two wheels, the constant traffic makes it a scary experience.
I’m sorry to say there’s more than a whiff of cynicism in the council’s ill-thought-out scheme. Is it just another money-making ruse at the expense of motorists to bolster its cash-strapped finances?
Moreover, what will all this vehicular largesse be going on? Fixing the county’s potholes, tidying up the litter-strewn A34, perhaps both? Motorists, you wish!
One of the world’s oldest sporting events returns to the River Thames this weekend. I mean, of course, the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race which was first held at Henley-on-Thames in 1829. The race has since moved to London and in front of up to 200,000 spectators lining the river, this year’s competition is expected to be its fiercest yet. Oxford is desperate to get back to winning ways, the Cambridge men having won the race for the last four years, the Cambridge women for three successive years. The Dark Blues will be hoping their under-23 world champion and 2028 Olympic hopeful Harry Geffen – a “natural-born boat mover” – will lead the men to their 82nd victory. As always, it’s never about the winning, it’s seeing your opponents lose that matters. So come on, Oxford, time to humiliate those smug Light Blues. And remember, keep your mouths shut if, perish the thought, you should fall into the river’s tainted flow.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
This week we surf England’s tech arc. It curves from Bristol in the west, through Oxford in the middle, to Cambridge in the east.
All three are world-class centres of academic excellence and innovation. But how do they compare when it comes to some key metrics?
Population (2024)
Bristol: 494,399
Oxford: 166,034
Cambridge: 149,352
Median age (2024)
Bristol: 33
Oxford: 31
Cambridge: 31
Active businesses (2024)
Bristol: 19,935
Oxford: 5,330
Cambridge: 5,375
High growth businesses (2024)
Bristol: 6.3%
Oxford: 7.6%
Cambridge: 6.8%
Productivity (gross value added per hour worked - 2023)
Bristol: £38.1
Oxford: £39.9
Cambridge: £45.5
Average house price (2025)
Bristol: £353,265
Oxford: £480,531
Cambridge: £485,985
Conclusions? Bristol is much bigger than Oxford (and Cambridge). The population stats mean that the active businesses number is bound to be higher.
The high growth businesses number is interesting. Oxford outstrips both Bristol and Cambridge with a degree of comfort. Cambridge is the clear winner when it comes to productivity, though.
However, it’s not a competition. The watchword for this trio of brilliant cities should be collaboration.
Source: Office for National Statistics
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in and around Oxford…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Oxford’s 'no left turn' roundabout camera makes more than £600,000 in motoring fines
Oxford Mail · March 26, 2026
Oxfordshire County Council's ANPR camera at The Plain roundabout has generated nearly £628,000 in fines for illegal left turns since its installation, sparking debate over road safety and compliance. While some critics argue the roundabout is confusing, supporters emphasise the need for strict enforcement following a tragic accident that claimed cyclist Dr. Ling Felce's life, highlighting the importance of obeying traffic laws to prevent future incidents.
Oxfordshire pothole prevention work to begin in £8m programme
BBC · March 29, 2026
Oxfordshire County Council is launching an £8 million pothole prevention programme in April, aiming to treat over one million square metres of road surface across 87 roads. This initiative follows a significant spike in pothole reports after a harsh winter, with plans for a 20mph advisory speed limit post-treatment to enhance safety.
Firefighters in Oxfordshire back strike action in row over cuts
BBC · March 31, 2026
Firefighters in Oxfordshire are threatening strike action after a consultative ballot revealed 94% support against proposed cuts by the county council that could endanger public safety. The controversial plans include closing three fire stations and potential redundancies, prompting union leaders to warn of escalating tensions if the proposals are not retracted.
Sir David Attenborough to explore Oxfordshire garden in new TV series
Oxford Mail · April 1, 2026
Join Sir David Attenborough in his enchanting new series "Secret Garden," premiering this weekend on BBC One, as he uncovers the hidden wildlife of Britain's backyards, starting in Oxfordshire. This celebration of nature, coinciding with Attenborough's 100th birthday, invites viewers to appreciate and nurture local wildlife, showcasing everything from kingfishers to resilient mallards caring for their ducklings.
Oxford University welcomes record number of tourists
BBC News · March 29, 2026
In 2025, the University of Oxford's gardens, museums and libraries welcomed a record 3.8 million visitors, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous year, with the Ashmolean Museum leading as Oxfordshire's top attraction. These impressive figures underscore the rising interest in the university's rich cultural and historical offerings.
Cotswolds locals feel overwhelmed by tourism boom
Witney Gazette · April 1, 2026
A survey in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water revealed that over 90% of residents feel overwhelmed by the influx of around 300,000 tourists annually, leading to concerns about traffic and a decline in the quality of community life. As locals express their dissatisfaction, there is a growing call for solutions to balance tourism benefits with the need to preserve the village's charm and tranquillity.
“Drill, baby, drill” approach to North Sea would cost households more than a fully renewable UK, finds Oxford analysis
Ox · March 27, 2026
Dr. Anupama Sen critiques the idea that increasing North Sea oil and gas extraction will boost UK energy security or lower household bills, arguing that the long-term costs may outweigh any short-term savings. She emphasises the importance of transitioning to clean energy, particularly through heat pumps, which are more efficient than gas boilers and can lead to reduced energy costs in the future.
Banbury mother becomes face of national breast cancer campaign
BBC News · April 2, 2026
Paula Van Santen, a 51-year-old breast cancer survivor from Banbury, Oxfordshire, is starring in a national charity campaign by Breast Cancer Now to raise awareness and support for nearly one million people affected by the disease in the UK. Despite her own diagnosis of incurable but treatable breast cancer, she remains hopeful as the campaign aims to ensure that by 2050, everyone with breast cancer can live well, while the charity plans to double its research funding to improve treatments for metastatic cases.
Legal notice to Oxfordshire group to stop placing flags on lamp-posts
BBC News · April 1, 2026
Oxfordshire County Council has issued a legal notice to the Raise The Colours group over flag placements that have sparked over 200 complaints from residents feeling "distressed" and "unsafe." Despite claims of patriotism from the group, council leader Liz Leffman says the flags are harming community cohesion, prompting the council to spend over £15,000 on their removal amid reports of staff facing abuse while doing so.
Group hanging flags in Oxford cause traffic disruption during rush hour
Oxford Mail · March 27, 2026
On March 24, the Raise The Colours group caused traffic disruption in Oxford during rush hour while attempting to erect flags from a cherry-picker van, prompting criticism from local MP Anneliese Dodds and concerns from Oxfordshire County Council regarding public safety. Despite complaints from locals and attempts to alert police, the group's actions went largely unchecked.
River Thames footbridge in Oxfordshire reopens after three-year closure
BBC News · April 1, 2026
A footbridge over the River Thames in south Oxfordshire has reopened after three years of closure due to safety concerns, with a complete replacement and upgraded weir now including a safety pass for fish and eels. The £15 million project, which faced delays from previous flood damage, restores vital connectivity for the community along the Thames Path.
Beckhams' 'Blackpool' lighting plans irk Oxfordshire neighbours
BBC News · March 28, 2026
Sir David and Lady Beckham's plan to install festoon lighting around their Cotswolds pond has sparked a backlash from neighbours who say it resembles the "Blackpool illuminations" and threatens local wildlife and the rural charm of Great Tew. Local resident James Worthington criticised the decision as inappropriate for a countryside setting, likening it to something more fitting for Miami than Oxfordshire.
Banbury, Henley and Wallingford among bidders to become first UK Town of Culture
BBC News · April 1, 2026
Towns across southern England, including Banbury, Henley and Wallingford, are vying to become the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028. Other competitors include Lymington and Slough, with a collaborative bid from Dorset towns such as Weymouth and Poole. The initiative, aimed at celebrating local culture and creating a lasting legacy, will award the winning town £3 million and additional funding for finalists.
Jeremy Clarkson reveals what he'll leave May and Hammond after death
Witney Gazette · April 1, 2026
Jeremy Clarkson, the famed host of BBC's Top Gear and Amazon Prime's Clarkson's Farm, is making headlines not only for his farming endeavours but also for his outspoken stance on industry challenges, including protests against a new inheritance tax. In a Sunday Times column, he humorously shared his funeral plans, teasing legacies for his co-stars, particularly Richard Hammond.
Oxford pair arrested on suspicion of financing terrorism
BBC News · March 26, 2026
A 50-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman from Oxford have been arrested on suspicion of terrorist financing under the Terrorism Act 2000, as Counter Terrorism Policing South East launches an investigation. Searches are currently underway at their residential property while the suspects remain in custody.
MP reveals the mockery he suffered at Oxford University over his northern accent
Yahoo News · March 29, 2026
Luke Charters, Labour MP for York Outer, opened up about the mockery he endured for his northern accent while studying PPE at Oxford University, revealing that he was even advised to dilute his accent to enhance his job prospects. His experiences underscore the ongoing issues of accent discrimination at the prestigious institution, despite its efforts to support working-class students.
King Charles jokes that plaque will go in 'downstairs loo' during Oxford visit
BBC · March 27, 2026
During a visit to an innovative solar panel company near Oxford, King Charles humorously noted that a plaque commemorating his appearance would be displayed in the firm's "downstairs loo," while praising the company's advanced technology for its contributions to sustainability. He encouraged employees to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy and received a customised solar panel cell as a token of appreciation for his visit.
Hunt for teen wanted in connection with Oxford rape
Yahoo News · April 1, 2026
Thames Valley Police are on a manhunt for 19-year-old Charlie Page from Faringdon who disappeared during a rape trial at Oxford Crown Court after failing to appear in March. Authorities warn the public not to approach him and to call 999 if spotted, as a new trial date is set for December 14, which may proceed in his absence.
Ryan Reynolds visits Cotswolds as Blake Lively meets Prue Leith
Oxford Mail · March 31, 2026
Ryan Reynolds and wife Blake Lively recently enjoyed a trip to the UK where they soaked up the sights of the Cotswolds, attended a Wrexham AFC vs Chelsea FA Cup match and indulged in activities such as archery and falconry at Soho Farmhouse. Lively also visited Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith's home in the Cotswolds.
Sport
Oxford Outlook: The U’s
Oxford United face Hull City at the Kassam tomorrow at 3pm. The Tigers are a top six team in the Championship, so it could be a Long Good Friday for the men in yellow, who languish in 23rd place.
With games running out, relegation is now a real prospect for The U’s. They need a bare minimum of six points from their final seven matches and pray that other results go their way. Anything less and the drop looks likely.
The Sports Desk
When and where to watch: The ultimate guide to the 2026 Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race
The Tab · March 30, 2026
Join the excitement of the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race on Saturday, with free fan zones in Hammersmith and Fulham and live coverage on Channel 4. Whether you're cheering from the riverbanks or enjoying a drink at local pubs, it's the perfect opportunity to celebrate camaraderie and the vibrant culture of this historic event.
Football finance expert breaks down 'scary' Oxford United accounts
Yahoo News · March 30, 2026
Oxford United's financial accounts reveal a rising loss of £17.5 million, attributed to a 90% increase in wages after Championship promotion, though they remain within EFL regulations. With potential relegation looming and broadcast revenue set to plummet, the club may face tough decisions on player contracts, while still holding appeal for modest investment opportunities.
Property news
Geri Halliwell-Horner wins planning row over horse walker ‘bigger than a double-decker’
Geri Halliwell-Horner has won approval for a large horse walker at her property, overcoming local objections regarding its size, which surpasses that of a double-decker bus. This decision allows the former Spice Girls member to pursue her passion for equestrian activities while balancing community concerns.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Easter Bunny Hop trail returning to Oxford this spring
Yahoo News · March 29, 2026
Join the Bunny Hop Trail in Oxford till April 12, where families can hunt for hidden bunnies at the Ashmolean Museum, The Story Museum and Modern Art Oxford while enjoying a City Sightseeing bus tour. Collect stamps for a special Easter reward and enjoy discounts at participating attractions!
Free family activities across the south this Easter
BBC News · March 29, 2026
This Easter, families in the South can enjoy a range of free activities, from crafting bunny lanterns at Wallingford Library to embarking on an Easter eggs treasure hunt at Grove Library. Don’t miss the Golden Eagle Egg Hunt at the Hawk Conservancy Trust and creative workshops at local libraries – fun for all ages awaits!
Secret Oxford: The coffee house serving since 1645
BBC · March 28, 2026
Discover Queen's Lane Coffee House in Oxford, established in 1654 and renowned as possibly the oldest continuously used coffee house in Europe. During the vibrant post-English Civil War era, it became a hub for intellectual exchange, where patrons enjoyed stimulating coffee, newspapers and lively discussions that contributed to the Enlightenment.
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