Residents encouraged to back proposed Carterton to Oxford railway in new consultation
Local leaders in West Oxfordshire are encouraging residents to take part in a major public consultation on the future of rail in Oxfordshire – and to show their support for a potential new railway line linking Carterton to Oxford.
Those wishing to comment on the proposal are encouraged to do so via the consultation platform or emailing OxRAIL2040@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Councillor Hugo Ashton, Executive Member for Planning at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We know how important good transport links are for people living and working in West Oxfordshire, both now and in the future.
“We have done studies that show this railway is viable, and we believe it is a vital upgrade to improve transport options for visitors and residents as house numbers grow over the coming years. We will be urging the county council to mirror our own emerging Local Plan and be much more ambitious by including a rail link to Carterton more positively in their strategy.”
Councillor Tim Sumner, Executive Member for Carterton Area Strategy, said, “We have ambitious growth plans for Carterton, delivering new jobs, homes and facilities. This needs suitable infrastructure improvements and rail will be a fantastic solution for residents and businesses.”
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, said, “Everyone using the A40 knows it is not fit for purpose and residents have had to tolerate congestion and poor transport options into Oxford for too long.
“A rail connection between Carterton and Oxford could bring real benefits to both the local economy and the wider economy across Oxfordshire. It would deliver a reliable transport option, reduce congestion, improve access to jobs and education and improve business connectivity.
“We’re encouraging West Oxfordshire residents to take a few minutes to respond to the county council consultation and give their views.”
The consultation, launched by Oxfordshire County Council, explores how rail services could be developed in the years ahead. The Council is urging local people to help shape that vision by making their voices heard.
A Carterton to Oxford railway has the potential to better connect some of the district’s fastest growing communities, including Witney and Eynsham, with the wider county and beyond. It is proposed to start in Carterton with stops in Witney and Salt Cross Garden Village.
The A40 has long been a bottleneck for travel to and from Oxford. With significant house building due along the road over the coming years, including a new garden village north of Eynsham, the council is advocating that rail would be a practical solution, drawing traffic off the A40 and providing a much quicker and more reliable transport option for residents and businesses to the heart of Oxford and the railway system beyond.
It would also support the Council’s efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce road traffic, and improve air quality across West Oxfordshire.
Improved public transport is a key part of the council’s Local Plan and Council Plan. The Council is looking to safeguard the proposed route through its emerging Local Plan as it would help meet the needs of residents now and in the future by supporting a more connected, sustainable transport network across the district.
Local MP for Witney, Charlie Maynard, added, “Here in West Oxfordshire, we face some of the worst congestion in the county. The Government has required thousands of new houses to be built locally, but we still have no railway serving Carterton, Witney, or Eynsham. Without action, the traffic problems on the A40 and beyond will only get worse. That’s why it’s so important that the County Council hears loud and clear from residents that we want the Carterton–Witney–Oxford railway restored.”
The consultation is open until 1 October. Residents can take part and find out more by visiting: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/railconsultation
Contact Information
West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team
communications@westoxon.gov.uk
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