9th June 2026
A number of rural roads across Oxfordshire are being considered for designation as Quiet Lanes, according to a BBC report.
The proposals would restrict almost all through motor traffic on selected routes, although access would remain available for residents and emergency services. The aim is to encourage greater use of the roads by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The BBC reported that parish councils would be able to request a Quiet Lane designation, but any final decision would be made by Oxfordshire County Council. The plans were discussed by the authority last month.
Oxfordshire County Council says the initiative is intended to provide safer access to the countryside. However, the proposals have attracted criticism from some motorists and local politicians who argue that road closures could affect rural communities and divert traffic elsewhere.
Speaking to the BBC, councillor Liam Walker said road safety was important but argued that closing roads was being prioritised over the construction of dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure. He also expressed concerns about increased congestion on surrounding routes and questioned proposals affecting links between Witney and Carterton.
The BBC reported that the county council described the list of roads as expressions of interest rather than confirmed sites. A council spokesperson said any Quiet Lane scheme would only proceed where a suitable alternative route exists and following an explicit request from a parish council. Not all requests are expected to be approved.
According to the BBC, some pilot Quiet Lanes could be introduced before the end of the year.
The roads currently identified as potential Quiet Lane locations are:
- Blackthorn – Lower Road and Station Road
- Wendlebury, Chesterton and Weston-on-the-Green – Wendlebury Road
- Kennington – Bagley Wood Road
- Radley – Sugworth Lane
- Curbridge, Lew and Brize Norton – Witney Road
- Hanwell and Bourton – Hanwell Lane between Hanwell and Great Bourton
- Stoke Lyne and Caversfield – Road through Bainton
- Towersey – Roads connecting Towersey to the B445 and A4129
- Ewelme – Cat Lane and Firebrass Hill
- Lockinge and Wantage – Road through West Lockinge
- Combe – Park Road
- Marston – Elms Drive
- Longcot – Mailings Lane
