Low Carbon Headington, 2 June 2008:
Transport Group notes
Priority campaigning targets
- Explore the travel-to-work policies of major institutions in the Headington area (hospitals, Oxford Brookes University, schools, including private), and perhaps Churches, with a view to minimising car movements.
- Make the maximum use of the International Car-Free Day on 22 September to bring home the impact of car commuting, school runs, etc on Headington. We felt the best avenue would be through existing residents’ associations and neighbourhood action group meetings.
- Establish a Headington Cycle Group to campaign for safer, more attractive cycling provision for those cycling within, from or to Headington. Other targets suggested for this group included a campaign for a cyclists-first phase at the London Road/Windmill Road traffic lights, and the appointment of a dedicated County Council cycling officer to press cyclists’ interests.
Other campaigning targets
- Examine the number of London and airport coaches passing through Headington and discussion with bus companies on reducing the traffic of half-empty coaches. The possibility of such services starting from the Thornhill park-and-ride facility was discussed but considered impractical at present (for passengers not from Headington).
- Traffic surveys building on data already available from the County Council. A recent survey showed that most car journeys to a local school involved distances of less than 2 miles, raising questions about the real need to drive as opposed to travelling by foot or bike. Such surveys might provide ammunition for a campaign for better designed, and maintained, less exposed footpaths and cycle lanes.
- Promote a 20 mph zone covering all residential roads in Headington.
Self-help targets
- Explore the possibility of a car-sharing scheme in Headington, or setting up a car co-operative in the City with preferential parking facility.
- Headington Cycle Group as above could provide mutual support and perhaps access to maintenance expertise.
Several contributors agreed that the discussion group could provide the nucleus for a future action group.
E-mail contact: headtransgrp@f2s.com