Local authorities in Oxfordshire have been forced to clarify how Oxford’s new traffic filters will work after misinformation led to abuse of staff and councillors.
Oxfordshire County Council, supported by Oxford City Council, is proposing to install traffic filters as a trial on six roads in Oxford. The trial is currently planned to begin in 2024.
The traffic filters will be cameras that can read number plates. If a vehicle does not have an exemption or a residents’ permit, the driver will be issued a fine.
Misinformation published online has people to believe that the filters will be physical barriers and will confine residents to their local area.
There is also a rumour that Oxfordshire residents will need permission from the councils to travel across Oxford.
The county and city council have both denied these rumours.
They have also been forced to contact the police after staff and councillors were subjected to abuse.
‘Staff and councillors at both councils have been subjected to abuse due to inaccurate information, being circulated online, about traffic filters,’ the councils said in a joint statement.
‘We take the wellbeing of our colleagues seriously and are taking appropriate steps to provide staff and councillors with support. We are working with Thames Valley Police to report the most extreme abuse.’
