Stratford Lane Closing? (Roads)

Tue 22 Apr, 09:54

Kevin, whilst I fully agree with your comments and the need for this road to be fully repaired, my concern is that should OCC close this road as you suggest until made safe, my fear is that it may never re-open. I have made several reports via Fix My Street regarding this road and one of the most recent responses made by OCC that the 'work had been completed' however my request for details of exactly what had been repaired appeared to fall on stoney ground. Their request for photos to be sent was met however from the 10 pics I took, only 3 could be uploaded. I did offer to send the remaining 7 but again no response.

The suggestion of this road being a 'quiet lane' is ludicrous. Who in their right mind would want to dodge the numerous tractors & trailers, lorries and caravans that use this road.

Oxfordshire has 17,119 (2023-24) potholes needing attention according to information, but it's always the motorists and cyclists that pay for damage to their vehicles/bikes.

OCC, JUST PLEASE GET IT FIXED!

Mon 21 Apr, 23:35

My concern remains that of safety on this important lane.  If the OCC's policy is such that Stratford Lane meets its current requirements as regards road safety this is indeed a poor state of affairs. 

As regards the "quiet lane" suggestion from one Liz Leffman, it has been brought to my attention that there is a Liz Leffman standing for re-election to the OCC. If the abovementioned contributor to the Stratford Lane discussion is indeed the one and the same  person standing for re-election, it would be good to know what steps she has taken to raise the safety issue with the appropriate officials at OCC and so as to satisfy herself  that the current state of affairs is not sub-optimal. 

However, if the 'quiet lane' suggestion was proffered by a person other than the current councillor Liz Leffman, I do hope she will accept my apologies for incorrectly linking her with such a fatuous contribution to a discussion about road safety. 

Fri 18 Apr, 14:36

I have just walked down Stratford Lane (it is part of the Oxfordshire Way). It is perfectly safe for pedestrians, cycles and horses.  There is plenty of unpotholed tarmac for them. Whilst the edges have a few deep potholes, there only a few in the main carriageway, which all the cars that went down the road had no trouble avoiding.

Thu 17 Apr, 11:21

Or the County Council could repair the road. It is the most direct route from here to Oxfordshire Crematorium and onward towards Bletchingdon. 

It isn't safe for cyclists and equines; a horse mis-stepping could result in the rider being dislodged.  Cyclists need to avoid very deep pot holes across the road not just on the verges. 

Thu 17 Apr, 07:55

You could indeed, or go through Glympton and come into Charlbury via Enstone. But I’m sure those villages would prefer not to have the extra traffic.

Wed 16 Apr, 22:32

Surely you could go through Wootton and still avoid Woodstock?

Wed 16 Apr, 17:24

For the avoidance of any doubt, I would like to emphasise that my recommendation to the OCC is that Stratford Lane be closed to traffic "until it is made safe". My recommendation was shaped so as to highlight the danger to life and limb in the hope of encouraging council staff to take action. 

The good news is that I have alreeady received this morning a request from the OCC asking me to visit the lane and take photos. I have complied with this request but my photography skills are somewhat lacking as my photos did not capture the true horror of having to drive on the wrong side of the road (around a near blind bend) to avoid the large potholes.

As regards making Stratford Lane a "quiet lane", when safely restored to highway standards this road provides a useful role as a public highway in allowing traffic from, say, Tackley or Kidlington to bypass Woodstock en route to, say, Stonesfield or Charlbury. I will be surprised if the residents of Woodstock would welcome an increased flow of traffic.

Wed 16 Apr, 10:18

Perhaps Stratford Lane could be designated a "quiet lane". 

https://www.cpre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/quiet_lanes_1.pdf

Wed 16 Apr, 08:53

You have gone to far, Kevin. Close it to wheeled traffic by all means, but the potholes, however large they are, are not a danger to pedestrian and equine traffic.  Indeed, can be a benefit in slowing down the cars.

Tue 15 Apr, 17:06

Very interesting Robin.  That said, perhaps the time has come for a sign to read "Failed Council"?

Tue 15 Apr, 16:46

A few years ago, when the potholes on this road were particularly bad, the council's solution was to put signs up either end, reading 'Failed Road'. (My family still refer to it by that name,  even after it got mended.) I haven’t driven down there for a couple of years, I assume the potholes have resumed their 'Failed Road' size again.

Tue 15 Apr, 15:43

I apologise for the typing error in the final paragraph above. I intended to say "All those driving Chieftain tanks should make it through OK." I guess I was still shaking from the Stratford lane experience when typing.

Indeed, upon further reflection perhaps I should have said ""should hopefully make it through OK."

Tue 15 Apr, 15:33

Having journeyed this morning along Stratford Lane (from the A44 to the B4027 past the Oxford School of Drama) I have filed a "FixMyStreet" report given the threat to life caused by the number of large potholes.

My recommendation to the Council won't be popular. I have suggested to Oxfordshire County Council that Stratford Lane should immediately be closed to all traffic until it is made safe.

I confess that in making my recommendation I may have gone a bit too far. All those driving Chieftain tanks should be able to make it though OK.