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ITEM TIC12 - ANNEX 2

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE –
27 NOVEMBER 2003

A POSSIBLE NEW FOOT/CYCLE BRIDGE CROSSING OF THE RIVER THAMES AT BABLOCK HYTHE

Benefits and Policy Justification of the Proposed new Thames Crossing at Bablock Hythe

Bablock Hythe has been a crossing point of the Thames for many centuries (believed to go back to Roman times when the wide span meant the river was shallow enough to ford with animals). In more recent times a passenger and car ferry was established. The car ferry was operational until the 1960s. In the last few years the passenger ferry has only been available on an irregular basis if booked in advance. There are a number of benefits associated with re-establishing a permanent crossing for non motorised users at this point. It is envisaged that a new crossing should be available to cyclists, pedestrians, wheelchairs users and horseriders. It would not be available to motorised users.

Sustrans National Cycle Network

At present, routes for those wanting to cycle between Oxford and Witney are very limited and unappealing. Cyclists currently need to use the busy A40 or B4044 route via Swinford Toll Bridge. In 2002, Sustrans carried out a study into the future development of the NCN in Oxfordshire to help towards their target of reaching 10,000 miles of NCN in the UK by 2005. This identified three possible extensions to the existing routes, one of which would go from Oxford to the Gloucestershire border via Witney. It was suggested that the best route could mainly use lightly trafficked roads for the section from Oxford to Witney. However, for this route to become a reality, a new crossing of the Thames west of Cumnor would be needed. The report concluded that Bablock Hythe would be the best site for such a crossing not just because it would result in the most direct route alignment between Oxford and Witney but also because it links the existing roads on either side of the river, avoiding the need for expensive and complex route upgrades.

Thames Path National Trail

The Thames Path Management Group has an on-going commitment to establish the line of this National Trail as close to the Thames as possible. At the present time, the Thames Path follows the western bank of the river from the south as far as Bablock Hythe. Northwards from that point, the path cannot follow the bank of the Thames and is forced to divert inland away from the river for just over 3km. A bridge at Bablock Hythe would mean that the Trail could be re-routed along the east side of the Thames, benefiting the many thousands of people who use it each year.

Oxfordshire County Council Countryside Service

The proposed crossing at Bablock Hythe will enable local people to cross the Thames and result in an increased choice of routes either side of the river. For walkers, the bridge would open up new opportunities for circular routes for local people. This is very much in line with County Council policy to increase and improve access to the countryside.

Lower Windrush Valley Project (LWVP)

The LWVP was set up to co-ordinate, implement and help manage projects that would improve the landscape, biodiversity and public access of this area to the west of the Thames which has been extensively worked for mineral extraction over the past fifty years. The LWVP supports the need for a new Thames Crossing at Bablock Hythe due to its potential for enhancing opportunities for quiet recreation in the project area by providing a link between the communities on the west and east of the Thames.

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