Oxford City Council’s pedestrian-friendly and cycle improvements to Market Street will become permanent, following a decision from the Highways Authority, Oxfordshire County Council.
The changes were first introduced under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) in spring 2024 and have now been approved to be made permanent by the county council cabinet member for transport.
This followed an 18-month trial which included two public consultation periods with Market Street to be a permanent pedestrian and cycle zone, with exemptions for specific motor vehicles requiring access.
These exemptions include delivery vehicles loading and unloading in marked bays, taxis and private hire vehicles dropping off and collecting passengers, Blue Badge holders and patients with mobility difficulties being dropped off or picked up at the Northgate Health Centre.
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The number of loading bays has also been reduced and changed to a parallel layout to increase space for pedestrians and cyclists.
The designation of the street as a pedestrian and cycle zone has allowed more effective use of this reduced amount of space for loading by Covered market traders.
It has also allowed an enhancement to the public realm and a better welcome for people visiting the Covered Market.
During the 18-month trial, Oxford City Council carried out temporary works to improve the street for pedestrians.
It now plans further changes for the area as part of the wider Covered Market regeneration project, including improvements to toilet facilities and a new communal space.
Oxford City Council’s cabinet member for planning and culture, Alex Hollingsworth, said: “The changes we have made to Market Street in partnership with the city council have clearly been a great success – giving more space and priority to pedestrians and cyclists travelling through and to the street.
“The success of the changes is thanks in no small part to the hard work by city and county officers particularly in engaging key stakeholders and users of the street making sure the design took their needs into account.”
Achievements and innovations in active travel will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
