§ LORD SEGALasked Her Majesty's Government:
What has been the effect of the Marston Ferry link road in relieving the congestion of traffic in the centre of Oxford, and when a third northern exit from the City is likely to be completed.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)The Marston Ferry link road is an unclassified road for which the Oxford City Council is the responsible highway authority. I understand that the full benefit of the new road is not likely to be realised until certain traffic management measures in the central area which have been approved in principle by the City Council have been implemented.
The City Council's proposals for amendments to the Development Plan submitted in 1970 included a North/South spine road which would have provided a third northern exit. The inspector who took the public inquiry recommended curtailment of the northern and southern ends of this road. The Secretary of State accepted these recommendations and decided to amend the Development Plan to include a spine road which would stop short of the outer by-passes. There are 1087WA therefore no present proposals for a third northern exit.