Oxford’s future: The importance of young voices as the polarising traffic filters move ahead

Calling all students! There’s a major change coming that you should know about…

In November 2024, the Oxford traffic filters will be implemented to decrease the amount of private car trips and alleviate congestion in the city. The traffic filters are not physical barriers that impede traffic, but rather, they are monitored through cameras positioned on St Cross Road, Thames Street, Hythe Bridge Street, St Clement’s Street, Marston Ferry Road, and Hollow Way. Public transport vehicles such as buses and taxis have unrestricted access to the filters at all times. However, residents of Oxford who own private cars can apply for a permit that allows them to pass through the filters for up to 100 days per year. The primary goals of the trials, as stated by the Oxfordshire County Council, are to decrease air pollution in the local area and enhance the dependability and efficiency of Oxford buses, which will directly benefit students.

Sidharth Bhatia on Unsplash (2016)

Given that Oxford has the highest proportion of students in England and Wales, accounting for 26.5% of the city's adult population, it is only fair that these students are included in and informed about any major changes. Based on my conversations with students, it is concerning to see that a significant portion of them are unaware of the upcoming traffic trials. A few of them expressed a negative stance towards this initiative. “I actually didn’t know about it until recently, which is weird ‘cause now that I know, I can’t stop seeing posters and posts about it everywhere.” Ally Al-Said says, a resident of Cowley Road and student at Oxford Brookes University. “It can be quite challenging to avoid feeling fatigued when it seems to have appeared unexpectedly.” The limited understanding of the traffic filter can be attributed to the low participation of younger generations in voting and political affairs. Political participation among young people in the UK is alarmingly low, as evidenced by the meagre 47% voter turnout in the 2019 General Election. 

Despite the seemingly discouraging statistics, climate action has emerged as a political approach that resonates strongly with young people. Groundwork UK conducted a study revealing that a significant number of individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 express a desire to participate in climate action. This aligns with the objectives of the traffic filters, which aim to address climate change and minimise air pollution in local areas. “Pretty sure that is one of the reasons I want to support the traffic filters. If I could assure that it is actually going to do what it says it will for the climate, I’m all for it.” Ally says. The goal is to shift away from relying on cars as the primary mode of transport in Oxford and instead promote the use of public transport, walking and cycling. 

Oxford has experienced a significant increase in cycling due to previous climate initiatives promoting alternative transport. Unfortunately, even as recently as February, a cyclist lost their life in a tragic accident involving a car in Kidlington. Councillor Katherine Miles, a Climate and Environment Panel member actively engaged in the Vision Zero initiative, expresses her sorrow on X, formerly Twitter: “Another tragedy. Our collective goal towards #VisionZero isn't enough. Action backed by resources are needed to realise this vision.” Vision Zero is an initiative to eliminate fatalities and severe injuries caused by road collisions. Vision Zero and the traffic filters align to enhance cyclist safety and alleviate traffic congestion, ultimately improving traffic safety in Oxford. “I have definitely considered biking instead of taking the bus everywhere, but then you hear about and see the memorials after cycling accidents, and being late everywhere because of the buses doesn’t seem as bad anymore.”

Many students I've spoken to have consistently brought up the bus system in Oxford as a significant concern. The students expressed a widespread lack of trust in the buses. “The buses are sh**, so I’d be happy if they got me to where I need to go on time for once, but it just doesn’t seem very likely, unfortunately.” Lainey (19), a student at Oxford Brookes says. When I then asked Ally about the infamous St. Clements traffic jam at rush hour he said: “The traffic filter on St. Clements is the most appealing to me because of that. I usually get the bus from Headington Campus home, but if it’s during rush hour, it can take me from half an hour to an hour instead of 10 minutes.” According to the Oxfordshire County Council, traffic filters enhance the speed and dependability of bus journeys.

Ally also expresses the concerns he and other residents of Cowley shared. “Me and my hairdresser were talking about it and she mentioned like how it affects her small business and other businesses in Cowley because a lot of people are affected by it.” Due to its location, there has been some opposition to the traffic filter initiative on Cowley Road. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of not implementing a traffic filter on Cowley Road, which runs parallel to St. Clements. The main worry is that the road, already bustling with activity, could become even more congested, potentially discouraging customers from visiting the numerous small businesses located on Cowley Road. According to Cowley Road-based businessman Clint Pugh, some customers have complained about the excessive amount of time it takes to travel down Cowley Road, leading them to reconsider visiting his business. 

As the traffic filter trials move forward and are set to begin at the end of this year, your feedback is not just welcomed; it's crucial. The Oxfordshire County Council is actively seeking your input as they monitor the filters to improve the initiative and ensure its sustainability. Your voice, as a student, can help shape the future of Oxford's transportation, making it more sustainable and student-friendly. Climate action is an optional pathway to get younger voters more involved, and your voice matters.