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 first bus gates in 1973, and 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
1973. As Oxford prepared to implemented its first Bus Gates on Cornmarket and Queen Street, and closed nearby streets to general traffic, the Market Traders’ Association and other businesses protested that their business would be hit.
1976. In fact, completely the opposite happened, with Cowley Road shop owners complaining that their trade migrated to the ‘closed roads’ of the city centre. (The roads were of course, open to shoppers).
1999.
A second phase of Bus Gates were implemented in the centre of Oxford on 1 June 1999, and Cornmarket was completely pedestrianised. 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.
(Just past the 50th Anniversary of the first bus gates and approaching the the 25th Anniversary of 1999 expansion).
Compiled by Owen McKnight (Oxford Pedestrians’ Association), April 2023, and reproduced with permission..
With thanks to The Oxford Mail, and apologies to @paulisci
