25 signatures reached
To: Oxfordshire County Council
FIX BARTHOLOMEW ROAD ACCESS FOR RESIDENTS, PARENTS AND SCHOOLS
Bartholomew Road is a vital route for residents, parents, carers, and local services. The current Bus Gate restriction is overly rigid, poorly targeted, and fails to reflect the real needs of the community it affects every day.
🚸 It does not improve school safety
Despite its location near the school, the Bus Gate does not provide the protections a properly designed School Street would. A School Street can restrict traffic only at key times, prioritise children’s safety, and create a calmer, safer environment during drop-off and pick-up. The current arrangement does none of this.
🏠 It unfairly impacts residents and parents
Families, carers, and local residents are forced to take longer routes, increasing congestion on surrounding roads and adding unnecessary stress to daily routines. Essential journeys — school runs, caring responsibilities, and access to homes — should not be made harder without clear safety or environmental benefits.
🚗 It diverts traffic rather than solving problems
Restricting a key arterial route pushes vehicles onto neighbouring streets, shifting congestion and pollution rather than reducing it. Effective traffic management should solve problems, not relocate them.
⚖️ It lacks proportionality and community support
Thousands of drivers risk fines under a system that many residents feel is disproportionate and poorly justified. Traffic measures must be fair, evidence-based, and shaped by genuine community engagement.
🔍 A review ensures the right solution
This petition does not oppose safety or sensible traffic management. It calls for a review to ensure the right solution is in place — one that balances safety, access, and the everyday realities of local life.
What We Are Asking For
- A formal review of the Bartholomew Road Bus Gate
- Consideration of a timed School Street model
- Fair access for residents and parents
- Solutions based on real local needs
Together, we can secure safer streets and fair access for everyone.
Why is this important?
Bartholomew Road’s Bus Gate is failing our community.The current Bus Gate in Bartholomew Road is unnecessarily restrictive and of benefit to very few.
It does not provide safety protection for the school — which a properly designed School Street / School Gate would.
We are calling for a formal review to:
- Reconsider the restriction on a key arterial route
- Improve access for residents and parents
- Introduce a safer School Street model if appropriate
- Ensure solutions reflect real local needs
We demand a review now.
Bartholomew Road must work for residents, parents, and pupils — not against them.
👉 Support the campaign
👉 Share your experience
👉 Demand safer, fairer access
