- Oxford News By HANA
- Posts
- Oxford News By Hana Edition 76
Oxford News By Hana Edition 76
Uncomfortably numb
Mark Skipworth
October 15, 2026
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 76
Oxford Outlook: Uncomfortably numb
Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here for instant sign-up.
Can Oxfordshire County Council’s dysfunctional traffic management get any worse? Its new traffic filters trial appears to have generated more congestion in Oxford city centre, not less!
According to a BBC report in this week’s newsletter, shoppers and motorists have complained of extensive delays after last month’s introduction of the filters imposed fines of up to £70 for passing through six points around the city without a permit.
I witnessed the city’s gridlock first-hand the other day (not the day of the Half Marathon, by the way), having chosen to celebrate/commemorate the reopening of Botley Road by catching a bus into the centre. On the opposite side of the road was the dreary sight of stationary nose-to-tail traffic, with little or no movement across Frideswide Square or along Oxpens Road toward the Westgate shopping complex. Even elegant Beaumont Street was stuck in a solid jam.
One local taxi driver told the BBC that he and other drivers are finding short journeys to the railway station can now take up to an hour. The Westgate, meanwhile, warns that the scheme could damage local businesses and economic growth unless there is significant investment in public transport. Not good.
The county council, which is responsible for the new traffic filters, says it’s early days in the trial and is monitoring the scheme's impact.
Still, you’d be forgiven for thinking the anti-car elders of the council must be feeling rather pleased with themselves. Driving in and out of Oxford is no longer inconvenient, it’s well nigh intolerable!
Worth noting: the new filters use the same technology as the previous temporary congestion charge, including automatic number plate recognition cameras.
In a separate but related story (see below), motorists have reported being incorrectly fined for breaching the congestion charge the day before it was replaced.
The county council, which managed the old congestion charge, says it is investigating the problem and attributes it to a “technical issue”. An untimely one-off or what lies ahead?
Happy motoring!
* We’re all used to seeing our supermarket shelves overflowing with exotic fruit and vegetables imported from abroad. But growing such fresh produce here in the UK? Well, that’s another matter. Until now, it seems.
Watermelons and aubergines have been successfully grown at Asthall Manor near Burford as part of an experiment during this summer’s heatwaves, a fascinating BBC report reveals.
Tim Mitchell, who runs the kitchen garden there, explained that the project aimed to see whether "outdoor-friendly varieties" of exotic crops could be grown at scale in Britain.
The conclusion? In the face of climate change, conditions in the UK are becoming more suitable for “heat-lovers” such as watermelons and aubergines, with the potential to boost our all-important food security.
Food for thought, you might say.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
Make Oxford an even better community - share Oxford by Hana with friends and family for a more informed and better run city - local news and views you can use - forward this link for instant sign up
Databox
Jobs, jobs, glorious jobs! Nothing quite like them for boiling the blood! Last week we looked at GCSE performance. Now we examine the workplace.
Employment, pay and income are vital cogs in the wheels of day-to-day life for most people. Some folk love their jobs. Others can’t stand what they do for a living.
The Office for National Statistics allows us to scrutinise Oxford compared with a clutch of similar areas.
Employment rate (2023)
Reading: 86.1%
Greenwich: 83.2%
Oxford: 80.8%
Kingston upon Thames: 80.1%
Bristol: 76.1%
Lambeth: 74.7%
Claimant count (2024)
Lambeth: 6.2%
Greenwich: 5.6%
Reading: 4.3%
Bristol: 3.6%
Kingston upon Thames: 3.3%
Oxford: 2.6%
Job density (jobs per resident aged 16-64, 2024)
Oxford: 1.2
Reading: 1.1
Bristol: 1.0
Kingston upon Thames: 0.8
Lambeth: 0.7
Greenwich: 0.6
Gross disposable household income per head (2024)
Lambeth: £36,951
Kingston upon Thames: £35,290
Greenwich: £29,396
Oxford: £26,153
Reading: £25,812
Bristol: £25,336
Gross median weekly income (2025)
Lambeth: £849
Kingston upon Thames: £810
Greenwich: £785
Oxford: £690
Bristol: £671
Reading: £666
Lambeth boasts household income £10,800 greater than Oxford, despite the London borough having the lowest employment rate and the highest claimant count among this cluster.
It should be a surprising stat. But London is not only the capital of the country, it’s also the capital of income inequality. So no surprise at all, really.
Oxford seems to have a more balanced (and, perhaps, fairer?) economy. And it’s ever so slightly more beautiful than ‘Sarf Lunnon’.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in and around Oxford…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Oxford's traffic filters scheme sees city centre gridlock BBC News - October 13, 2026 Oxford's new traffic filter trial, initiated on September 28, has led to significant delays and congestion, particularly affecting Botley Road and the Westgate shopping centre. With taxi drivers experiencing extended wait times and local stakeholders concerned about accessibility and safety, effective collaboration between business professionals and authorities is essential to develop comprehensive traffic management solutions. |
Drivers wrongly fined for Oxford congestion charge breaches BBC News - October 13, 2026 Motorists in Oxford reported receiving erroneous fines for a temporary congestion charge on 27 September, attributed to technical issues by Oxfordshire County Council. The council is investigating the matter and has assured affected individuals that they will be contacted directly, alleviating concerns about potential fines escalating from £35 to £70. |
Oxford University lecturer suspended and charged over indecent child images Yahoo News UK - October 12, 2026 Dr. Lola Salem, a 33-year-old lecturer in music at Oriel College, Oxford, has been suspended following charges of possessing indecent images of children, which she denies. Currently on bail, she is scheduled to return to court on December 7, with her trial set for March 20, 2028. |
Oxford University staff told not to use phrases like ‘learn the ropes’ An Oxford University style guide says idioms such as “find your feet” and “blind spots” might confuse foreign students. In professional communication, especially with non-native speakers, it's crucial to use clear and straightforward language rather than idiomatic expressions, it says. By rephrasing phrases like "find your feet" to "become familiar with the environment", staff can promote inclusivity and enhance understanding within diverse teams. |
Melons and aubergines thrive in Oxfordshire hot summer experiment BBC News - October 13, 2026 An innovative experiment at Asthall Manor in Oxfordshire has successfully cultivated watermelons and aubergines outdoors, demonstrating the viability of exotic crops in the UK amid record-breaking temperatures. This initiative not only showcases the potential for diversifying UK agriculture but also emphasises the adaptability of farming practices in the face of climate change. |
Patients 'frustrated' by Wantage GP surgery's AI receptionist BBC News - October 14, 2026 Patients at Newbury Street Practice in Wantage, Oxfordshire, have raised concerns about the AI receptionist tool, Andi, citing barriers to care. While the practice acknowledges the challenges of adapting to new technologies, it remains committed to evaluating patient feedback and enhancing service delivery amid pressures on primary care infrastructures. |
Record 15,000 runners make this year's Oxford Half Marathon biggest event yet Yahoo News UK - October 12, 2026 The Oxford Half Marathon celebrated its 15th anniversary with a record 15,000 participants last Sunday, featuring standout performances from Alex Miell-Ingram, who won the men's race in 1:07:22, and returning champion Charlie Arnell, who finished the women's race at 1:14:27. The event not only showcased the city's landmarks but also fostered community spirit as it raised substantial funds for various good causes. |
Athlete defends Oxford Half title after injury comeback Oxford Mail - October 12, 2026 Charlie Arnell successfully defended her title at the Oxford Half Marathon, finishing in 1:14:27, just 46 seconds shy of her personal best. Despite a challenging recovery from injury and only five weeks of training, the 33-year-old runner views this performance as a positive step towards her upcoming marathon in February, amidst a record turnout of over 15,000 participants at the event. |
Locals 'shocked, angry and scared' by Oxfordshire solar plan BBC News - October 12, 2026 Residents near the proposed West Oxfordshire Energy Plant have raised concerns about its potential impact on the rural landscape, while developer Low Carbon plans to address these issues through a public consultation. This initiative is part of Oxfordshire's broader strategy to achieve 95% clean electricity by 2030, amid growing apprehension regarding the transformation of local countryside into industrial solar sites. |
Portrait of Lord Hague, Chancellor of Oxford University, by British artist Louise Pragnell
New portrait of Oxford University Chancellor is revealed Oxford Mail - October 14, 2026 British contemporary portrait artist Louise Pragnell has unveiled a striking oil painting of Lord Hague, commissioned by the University of Oxford to honour his tenure as Chancellor. Displayed in the historic Convocation House at the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, the portrait beautifully captures the essence of tradition and continuity within the university's rich academic legacy. |
Attempt to quash MoD Bicester asylum housing plans fails BBC News - October 14, 2026 A motion by the opposition to halt the UK government's plan to accommodate over 1,200 male asylum seekers at a former Ministry of Defence site in Bicester has been rejected. Shadow Minister Joy Morrisey raised concerns about potential safeguarding risks for local communities, while the government defended its approach, citing successful operations of similar facilities without evidence of increased crime. |
Plans for new rail service linking Banbury to North East and South Coast move forward Banbury Guardian - October 14, 2026 Grand Central, Arriva's open access rail operator, is set to launch a new service connecting Banbury with Newcastle and Brighton by December 2026, pending regulatory approval. This initiative will create one of England's longest direct rail routes, featuring major stops and accommodating over 1,000 passengers per journey, supported by the addition of four Class 180 trains to their fleet. |
Hedgelayers compete in Oxfordshire 'mysterious craft' showcase BBC News - October 12, 2026 The 47th National Hedgelaying Championship, held near Chipping Norton, showcased over 100 competitors demonstrating various regional techniques, with Welshman Chris Davies claiming the title of supreme champion. This traditional craft, essential for managing hedgerows and livestock barriers, underscores its ongoing relevance in rural practices, as exemplified by competitors like Nigel Adams who brings a familial legacy and international experience to the art of hedgelaying. |
Abingdon Green party activist says she was 'naïve’ to oppose Hamas This is Oxfordshire - October 14, 2026 Halima Brewer, a Green Party member and eco-activist, has sparked controversy with her Facebook posts endorsing violence against Israel, prompting the party to distance itself from her views and initiate an investigation. The situation has also drawn concern from the Board of Deputies of British Jews, which has called for police involvement. |
200-year-old Oxfordshire maternity register sold at auction BBC News - October 15, 2026 A handwritten maternity register from rural Oxfordshire, documenting births between 1820 and 1830, has sold for £4,900 at auction, far exceeding its estimated value of £200-£400. This valuable historical document, discovered in a Dorset loft, offers insights into early 19th-century childbirth experiences and medical practices, featuring detailed entries on patient histories and notable accounts from the era. |
Oxford designer to champion renewable energy projects nationwide Yahoo News UK - October 12, 2026 Charlie Luxton has been appointed as SP Energy Networks' first Community Energy Champion, focusing on promoting community-led energy initiatives across the UK. His role will involve visiting various projects to highlight their benefits and support, beginning with a solar installation initiative in Ayr, Scotland, backed by significant funding from SP Energy Networks and the Scottish Government. |
Award-winning children’s author near Banbury swaps books for music with debut single Banbury Guardian - October 14, 2026 Award-winning children's author Emily Lloyd-Gale, based in Barford St John, is making her musical debut with the pop-country single "Garden of Dreams," inspired by her 1990s and early 2000s upbringing. Following her success with the Christmas-themed picture book "The Moose That Saved Christmas", which won three Page Turner Awards in 2023, Lloyd-Gale's new song reflects on the challenges faced by her generation while maintaining a sense of optimism. |
Polish ambassador joins WW2 plaque unveiling in Checkendon BBC - October 12, 2026 A blue plaque has been unveiled at the Black Horse Pub in Checkendon, Oxfordshire, to commemorate Polish soldiers and their families who settled in the area after World War II. The ceremony, attended by the Polish Ambassador to the UK, Rafał Wiśniewski, underscored the importance of hospitality extended to Polish refugees during a time of upheaval, echoing the ongoing relevance of these historical ties amid current European military tensions. |
1,000,000 Men Use This. You Probably Know One.
Most men don't think about their skin until eye bags, dark spots, and wrinkles show up at once. Particle Face Cream is a groundbreaking men's formula that fights all three, while also restoring firmness and hydrating deeply. No complicated routine. Trusted by over a million men. 30-day money-back guarantee. 20% off with code BH20.
Sport
Football: U beauties!
Notts County 1 v 2 Oxford United (League One, 10/10/26)
A big, big win for United. County are struggling but the men in yellow needed this victory. Even though the season is still in its infancy, Oxford are in the promotion mix. The U’s have three games in hand over league leaders Plymouth Argyle.
Mark Harris and Cameron Brannagan were the scorers. Brannagan’s 88th minute goal proved crucial, as the East Midlands outfit pulled one back in the 91st minute.
League One: Top of the Table
1 Plymouth Argyle (19 points)
2 Bradford City (17 points)
—————————————————
3 Stockport County (16 points)
4 Huddersfield Town (16 points)
5 Cambridge United (16 points)
6 Reading (15 points)
—————————————————
7 Sheffield Wednesday (15 points)
8 Oxford United (14 points)
Games in hand mean that United can dream about occupying an automatic promotion place in the coming weeks. The only problem is that Aaron Ramsey’s team have to win those matches. Nobody said football was easy.
The Sports Desk
Premier League hero names Aaron Ramsey as future Arsenal manager Oxford Mail - October 13, 2026 Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey is earning accolades from former player Dean Saunders who anticipates a bright managerial future for him, particularly in light of his successful start despite facing a transfer ban. This highlights the importance of continuous learning and strategic thinking in both sports and business, as adaptability and professionalism can significantly enhance leadership effectiveness. |
Property news
Cotswold home near Chipping Norton listed for £2.5m Cotswold Journal - October 5, 2026 The Grange, a distinguished detached freehold property on Shipton Road, has recently undergone a price reduction, now offering over 7,700 square feet of elegant living space with seven bedrooms and an additional two-bedroom annexe. Nestled within approximately 1.3 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in Ascott-under-Wychwood, this unlisted period home features original architectural details and is ideal for multi-generational living or rental opportunities. |
Reach Oxford’s most discerning property investors - to list your property here contact [email protected]
Want to get smarter in 5 minutes?
Try Morning Brew, the daily email that explains the day's most important news simply, quickly, and with a little fun.
You'll see—the news sticks when it's actually enjoyable to read.
Join over 4 million people starting their day with Morning Brew. And get smarter while they're at it.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Yo-Yo Ma, De La Soul and K-pop star join Oxford line-up Yahoo News UK - October 12, 2026 The Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at Oxford has unveiled its second public cultural season, featuring an impressive line-up of global artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Anoushka Shankar, alongside innovative collaborations with researchers to tackle pressing global challenges through art. This season, running from January to July 2027, aims to foster creativity and academic insights in a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the Arts and Humanities. |
Museum marks 60 years celebrating Oxfordshire's heritage BBC - October 14, 2026 The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock will commemorate its 60th anniversary with an event at 1.30pm today (Thursday) featuring a talk by Museum Service Manager Jemma Davey and a special film capturing the memories of visitors, staff and volunteers. This celebration highlights the museum's vital role in preserving and sharing Oxfordshire's diverse heritage and acknowledges the community's collective support over the years. |
Banbury’s historic Michaelmas Fair returns with rides, games and family fun Banbury Guardian - October 14, 2026 The Michaelmas Fair is on in Banbury till October 17, featuring a diverse range of attractions and entertainment, officially opened by local dignitaries with the presentation of a giant golden key. For more details and updates, including opportunities for complimentary ride vouchers, visit the official Facebook page of Bob Wilson’s Fun Fairs. |
Peep Show star sharing stories for Black History Month Oxford Mail - October 14, 2026 Join us at The Story Museum in Oxford on Saturday, October 24, at 2:30 PM for a captivating live performance of actor Paterson Joseph's children's book, Ten Children Who Changed the World, featuring musical accompaniment by composer Ben Park. This event celebrates the inspiring stories of ten young heroes who fought against injustice during the era of slavery, with tickets priced at £12.50 per person. |
Fresh-Roasted Coffee, Without Leaving the House
A third-generation LA roaster ships 50+ coffees — single origins, flavored favorites, decafs, even teas — days after roasting. Mix and match Keurig®-compatible boxes for tiered savings up to 34% off. First order? Take an extra 15% off, automatically.
This newsletter was partly curated and summarised by AI agents, who can make mistakes. Check all vital information.
For any issues or inaccuracies, please notify us here
View our AI Ethics Policy