Latest news with #StagecoachWest
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Oxford congestion charge plan backed by bus companies
A temporary congestion charge in Oxford would be a "pretty good solution" to traffic in the city, a bus company boss has County Council is considering a temporary £5 charge for drivers to access the city centre on six routes.A petition opposing the scheme has gained more than 6,000 signatures since its launch on bus operators Stagecoach West and the Oxford Bus company have both issued statements welcoming the plans which will be discussed by the council's cabinet on Tuesday. The county council said action was needed because of delays to a planned trial of traffic filters, which cannot be introduced until Botley Road is reopened after overrunning works at Oxford Station and the railway filter scheme would limit car use on certain stretches of road, enforced by congestion charge would end once the traffic filters are in Rail has previously said the Botley Road work would be completed in August Oxford Business Action Group and Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds are among those who have criticised the plans. Oxford Bus Company previously urged Oxfordshire County Council to find a "Plan B" after the ongoing Botley Road closure delayed the traffic Hanson, managing director of Stagecoach West, said he was "incredibly supportive" of the temporary congestion charge."It's sending a very clear message that the car isn't the preferred option, and in a place like Oxford where we have such fantastic facilities not to use the cars, it feels like a congestion charge is a pretty good solution to that," he Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, said the measure would make bus travel a "more attractive alternative" to cars."Improving bus services will help bring about a virtuous circle of increasing bus use, and reducing congestion in our city," he said."We're pleased our concerns have been listened to and this is an encouraging step forward."If approved, a six-week public consultation would begin on 23 June. The congestion charge could be in place by the autumn. What is the plan? Cars would pay a £5 daily charge to use six roads in central OxfordEnforced by automatic number plate recognition camerasOther vehicles would not pay a chargeFree permits would be available to groups such as traders, carers and blue-badge holders. New permits would also be available to residents living within the central zoneThe charge would be payable online or by phone by midnight on the day after you drive through one of the six routesSeven days per week 07:00-19:00Hythe Bridge StreetSt Cross RoadThames Street St Clement's StreetMonday to Saturday 07:00-09:00 and 15:00-18:00Marston Ferry Road Hollow Way You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Free bus travel for veterans and military on VE Day anniversary
Veterans, cadets, and serving military personnel will be able to enjoy free bus travel across Oxfordshire on VE Day. This year marks eight decades since World War Two came to an end in Europe, with celebrations taking place across the country on Thursday, May 8. To mark the occasion, Stagecoach West is offering free travel to those in uniform or carrying a military ID, veterans with a badge or medal, and cadets in uniform. Chris Hanson, managing director at Stagecoach West, said: "We're incredibly proud to employ many veterans, and it's a privilege to recognise the bravery and dedication of our armed forces, cadets, and veterans. ADVERTISEMENT "Offering free travel on VE 80 Day is a small gesture of appreciation for the enormous contribution made by our service men and women, past and present." Stagecoach has been a member of the Armed Forces Covenant since March 2015, recognising the value of serving military, regular and reservists, veterans, and military families to both the country and businesses across the country. In recent years, the firm has shown its support to the armed forces community by also allowing free travel over armed forces weekends and remembrance days. The latest offer will also be available on the bus operator's services in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Swindon, and Wiltshire, and is backed by the company's employee-led veterans network.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Aftermath of Storm Herminia soaks Swindon's roads
Storm Herminia caused bus route disruption, flood alerts and other issues around Swindon. After a wet and windy weekend, there were 29 flood alerts and 17 warnings in effect around Wiltshire on Monday, with further downpours and gusts hitting the town throughout the day. As usual, part of Queens Drive heading away from the Coate roundabout turned into one large puddle with motorists splashing their way through to reach Walcot and Lawns. River levels rose on the River Cole, Rivery Ray, Swimbourne, River Key, and Swill Brook as a result of heavy rainfall, so the government cautioned that flooding of roads and low lying land was possible. The areas most at risk included Lower Stratton, Purton Stoke and Oasksey. Your Community, Your News Subscribe to Swindon Advertiser now for either 50% off for a year or 3 months for £3. Stay connected with all local happenings. #CommunityNews #SpecialOffer — Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) January 20, 2025 A government spokesperson said: "We expect river levels to remain high throughout the day. We are monitoring the situation. "Avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses. Do not drive through flood water." Stagecoach West warned passengers waiting for the number 49 that the road at Seend, near Devizes, was closed due to police activity and apologised for any inconvenience caused. There was a small crash on Bell Hill near Seend, which may have been partly to blame for the closure, though there was also a more serious collision on the A350 from Portal Road to Littleton Roundabout which added several minutes to drivers' journeys and caused five miles of tailbacks. The road was cleared and normal traffic flow resumed by 2pm. A yellow-level weather warning for wind is in place until 6am on Tuesday, January 28. From 8am on Monday, the Met Office issued a new yellow-level weather warning for rain which is due to last until 10am on Tuesday. A spokesperson said: "Heavy, blustery showers and possible thunderstorms, will lead to some flooding continuing to affect roads. "Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible. "Spray and flooding on roads probably make journey times longer. "Some interruption to power supplies and other services may occur. "Bus and train services may be affected by longer journey times." The worst of the wet weather will miss Swindon and Marlborough but is expected to affect Calne, Corsham, Trowbridge, Westbury, and Devizes. Temperatures will range from six to eight degrees Celsius for the rest of Monday, with the minimum temperature dipping to 2C on Tuesday.
