1. What is the main transport problem facing West Oxfordshire?
The A40, the primary road artery through West Oxfordshire, is increasingly congested. Journey times will increase significantly by 2031, even with planned investments. This congestion is exacerbated by the government’s push to build 62% more houses in the area, leading to more cars on the road.
2. What is the proposed solution to this transport problem?
The proposed solution is to build a new railway line connecting Witney, Carterton, and Eynsham to Oxford. This railway would offer fast, reliable, and sustainable transport, reducing reliance on the A40.
3. What are the estimated journey times on the proposed railway?
The estimated journey times are:
- Witney to Oxford: 16 minutes
- Carterton to Oxford: 22 minutes
4. Why is building a railway preferable to simply dualling the A40?
Even with dualling, the A40 would not be able to cope with the projected increase in traffic due to new housing developments. Additionally, dualling the A40 would be highly costly, impractical, and environmentally damaging.
5. What are the additional benefits of the proposed railway line?
Besides relieving traffic congestion, the railway would:
- Reduce carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Improve local business opportunities by connecting the area to the national rail network.
- Open up opportunities for sustainable living initiatives, such as water quality improvements and leisure areas.
- Provide a backbone for digital communication enhancements through a fibre optic cable alongside the railway.
6. How will the railway be funded?
While several options are being considered, the most likely scenario involves a strategic private-public partnership. One innovative approach being explored is “land value capture.” This consists of utilizing the increased land value near the new railway line to help fund the project.
7. What is “land value capture” and how would it work?
Land value capture recognizes that new infrastructure, like a railway, significantly increases the value of nearby land. Currently, most of this increased value benefits landowners without contributing to the infrastructure that created it. Land value capture aims to use a portion of this increased value to fund the railway’s construction.
8. How can I support this project?
Visit the Whitney Oxford Transport website at Whitneyoxfordtransport.org.uk to learn more about the project and find out how you can get involved. Your support will help make this vision of a connected and sustainable West Oxfordshire a reality.
Witney Oxford Transport Group 