Some people don’t like change. And, one of the most common reactions in Oxford it seems, is to say that the city will become a ‘ghost town’, bereft of people, shops and visitors.
This seemed a theme for the Transport Strategy of 1999, which put 5 Bus Gates in the centre of the city – and an academic study showed no significant change in footfall.
Many studies have shown the value of traffic reduction and pedestrianisation of urban spaces to their use and retail sales. But that won’t stop the ghost stories.
Spot any more? Send them to: jams@cohsat.org.uk
1976.
1999.
Oxford’s 5 central Bus Gates were implemented on 1 June 1999. Objectors predicted “traffic chaos” and a loss of retail trade.
A follow up study found no significant reduction in footfall. (Source: Pedestrian Pound, Living Streets)
2000.
2007.
2010.
2018.
2020.
2023.
OK, so this one shows that Oxford is very much NOT a ghost town. But we wanted to end on a happy note!
2024.
A new entry on 30 May 2024.
(Almost the 25th Anniversary of the Bust Gates).
Compiled by Owen McKnight (Oxford Pedestrians’ Association), April 2023, and reproduced with permission..
With thanks to The Oxford Mail, and apologies to @paulisci
