Better Roads, Trains & Buses

Our community needs a better transport system, from trains and buses to roads and cycling.  Living in Bladon, I know first-hand that that congestion on the A40 is a daily issue for many of us, and we need reliable public transport to provide a realistic alternative.

Since becoming your MP, I have been campaigning for upgrades to the A40, which has included delivering a petition to Parliament signed by thousands of local residents.  I have brought the Secretary of State for Transport to the A40 to see for himself the standstill traffic, and have had many meetings with Ministers and the County and District Council Leaders.  There are many options being considered to deliver these much needed upgrades and there is greater cause for optimism on this issue than there has been in a generation.

However, roads are only part of the picture.  West Oxfordshire's railways are a real asset that need to be improved to ensure that West Oxfordshire keeps moving in the years ahead.  The Great Western Railway franchise is due for renewal in the coming years, and so it is vital that Government know the concerns and priorities for West Oxfordshire so that this can opportunity can benefit our area.  This is a period of great investment in our railways, with electric trains already transforming journeys into London Paddington and the great benefits of the new Oxford Parkway station already being felt.  I am campaigning for punctual, reliable, high-quality train services, which use modern technology and link in with regular public transport, to create a flowing transport system throughout West Oxfordshire.

Linking train and bus services are essential.  For many of our rural communities, buses are a lifeline for many to get to work, school, to appointments and to see friends. That is why I have been campaigning for more community transport services, and have founded and chair the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Community Transport.  Working with OurBus Bartons in my previous role as District Councillor, I am pleased that this service has gone from strength to strength, and other groups such as West Oxfordshire Community Transport as also growing.  I have campaigned in Parliament to promote West Oxfordshire as an example of best practice, even bringing the Minister for Transport, Jesse Norman, to see OurBus Bartons for himself.

News

Oxford Mail - West Oxfordshire Set For £200m Rail Upgrade

UP TO £200m could be spent to improve the Cotswold line railway, by running extra trains between Oxford and Worcester.

The North Cotswold line currently runs from Oxford to Hereford and crosses many constituencies, one of which is Witney.

Embedded thumbnail for Robert Continues Campaign for Further Cotswold Line Upgrades

Robert Continues Campaign for Further Cotswold Line Upgrades

Robert said: "During the first Business Questions of 2020 I took the opportunity to call for a debate on the Government's ambition to increase investment in rail infrastructure - ensuring that West Oxfordshire passengers benefit through upgrades to the Cotswold Line.

Embedded thumbnail for Robert Delivers Biggest A40 Investment in a Generation

Robert Delivers Biggest A40 Investment in a Generation

Motorists, bus users and cyclists who regularly use one of West Oxfordshire’s busiest and most important transport routes have reason to celebrate today with the announcement of a £102m funding boost for the A40.

Embedded thumbnail for Robert Questions Transport Secretary on Cotswold Line Progress

Robert Questions Transport Secretary on Cotswold Line Progress

Robert has helped to deliver significant improvements to local rail services in West Oxfordshire in recent years, with additional car parking provision, platform extensions, upgraded facilities, world-class new trains - and a staff presence at Hanborough Station for the first time in over 50 year

Robert Welcomes Progress on Potholes

Thousands of miles of local roads could be resurfaced to prevent potholes under a proposal to give councils long-term funding for maintenance.

A40 Survey

For decades, congestion on the A40 has been one of the biggest issues in West Oxfordshire. I have described the traffic problems on the A40 as being a "millstone around West Oxfordshire's neck" - hampering our businesses and causing misery for motorists. 

Robert Continues Campaign to Deliver B4044 Cycle Path

Robert has continued his efforts to deliver the B4044 Community Cycle Path between Eynsham and Botley, visiting the site of the proposed path with Oxfordshire County Council Leader, Ian Hudspeth, Eynsham District Councillor, Ed James, and Oxford West & Abingdon Candidate James Fredrickson.