CHANGES to the way people get around Oxfordshire as a result of the 'new normal' could begin as early as June.

Streets where the speed limit is 20mph, safe areas outside school gates, and better cycle paths are among the ideas county councillors have put forward for how to spend £250 mill of government cash aimed at getting people to work while maintaining social distancing.

Sixty three Oxfordshire county councillors have given suggestions for how the council can spend its share of the government cash, as the county awaits its share.

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They were responding to a request by the council's cabinet member for transport Yvonne Constance, and county cycling champion Suzanne Bartington.

The council singled out areas of popular appeal among the suggestions and said there was 'clear support' for measures including:

• a wider roll-out of 20 mph speed zones where supported by residents

• the introduction of school streets to restrict motor vehicles around schools at certain times of day

• improved cycling infrastructure such as more cycle-only lanes in every town

• more cycle facilities like secure cycle racks at rural bus stops

Despite the flood of suggestions, the county council does not know how much money it will yet receive from the fund.

Specific steps for what work will be done as a result of the cash will be 'announced shortly' the council said.

Some of it will be put in place in June, with further changes to be made between July and September.

The county council has said it will 'work with the district and city councils to use this funding as widely as possible to address the active transport measures under consideration for the benefit of residents'.

A statement from the council added that Oxford is already 'well positioned to benefit' because it has a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, which has singled out the best streets for cyclists and where improved lanes should run.

On top of this, the city council called for some of the government cash to be spent on closing Broad Street to all cars.

Meanwhile some town councils, including in Wallingford, are calling on the county to close off their public centres to cars as the lockdown lifts in the hope it will make social distancing easier.

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Cabinet member Ms Constance said: “The immense challenges of coronavirus have disrupted our transport network.

"However there are now opportunities to rethink the way we travel and a chance to make strides towards sustainable and zero emission transport. There’s a real chance to do things differently, helping more people to walk, cycle and travel in sustainable ways.

“By working with councillors across the county on adapting our transport infrastructure and options we can alter the way people think about travelling. This could all lead to much-needed improvements in air quality as well as supporting a sustainable recovery from the pandemic.”

“The county council will work to ensure people have access to the facilities and information they will need to take advantage of the adapted infrastructure that is planned.”