Politics & Council · Oxford
Oxfordshire County Council unveils £245.5 million transport investment plan
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Oxfordshire County Council has approved a major transport delivery plan to invest over £245 million in road improvements, bus services and active travel schemes through 2030.
Oxfordshire County Council has formally approved a new local transport delivery plan, outlining how the authority intends to distribute £245.5 million in government funding across the county. The proposed expenditure covers the period from 2026 to 2030 and targets a broad range of infrastructure needs, from essential highway maintenance to the expansion of sustainable transport networks.
Cabinet members confirmed the submission of the plan to the Department for Transport this week, marking a significant step in the authority's long-term strategy. The funding is intended to address several key priorities, including a continued focus on road repairs and preventative maintenance to combat the wear and tear on the county's network.
Councillor Gareth Epps, Cabinet Member for Transport, noted that while the council is working to maintain and improve networks across all modes of transport, the funding landscape remains challenging. He acknowledged that certain government allocations have been reduced, though the council remains committed to delivering improvements for bus and rail users, cyclists, walkers and motorists.
The investment plan includes funding for the following core areas:
Extensive road maintenance programmes, incorporating both reactive repairs and long-term preventative measures.
Enhanced bus services, supported by improvements to ticketing, passenger information systems and vehicle upgrades.
New active travel projects, focusing on developing specific walking and cycling infrastructure.
The implementation of Oxfordshire’s electric vehicle infrastructure strategy.
Schemes aligned with the Vision Zero programme, which seeks to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on county roads by 2050.
In addition to these wide-reaching projects, the council plans to introduce a pilot scheme focused on heavy goods vehicle interventions to better manage sustainable freight movement. A new mobility hub is also planned for Benson to help integrate sustainable transport options for residents in the area.
Councillor Liz Leffman, Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repairs, highlighted that while central government funding is welcomed, it does not cover the full cost of the required work. She confirmed that the council continues to supplement these grants with significant investment from local council taxpayers to ensure road standards are upheld.
The finalised local transport delivery plan is expected to be published by the government later this year. The council has committed to reviewing the document on an annual basis to ensure the planned investments continue to meet the changing needs of the county's transport network.
Source: Oxfordshire County Council · View original