TRAFFIC congestion caused by a series of roadworks has left Oxford businesses counting the cost.

The city has regularly ground to a halt as motorists negotiate the impact of works such as at Kennington Roundabout, Worcester Street, and London Road.

Removals and same-day courier firm Taxi Vans Oxford said business has dropped by a quarter.

Owner Shoaib Ahmed said: “It has caused havoc.

“We’re having to start either very early in the morning or an hour-and-a-half later.

“We’ve lost business because of it and our business has been affected by up to 25 per cent over the past three months.”

Our top stories

On one occasion, two vans left the Oxford depot at the same time and one arrived at its destination in West London before the second could reach Botley Road.

While the roads seem to have been clearer in recent days, the city’s two bus services have regularly had to inform customers of long delays on Oxford services because of congestion.

Since Monday, Oxford Bus Company has tweeted about delays seven times and Stagecoach Oxford nine times.

Amanda Suliman-Bell, who has run Rainbow and Spoon boutique in Frideswide Square for 17 years, said sales were down by 10-20 per cent on this time last year and she feared for the future of her business.

She said: “It has been terrible.

“All the roads leading to the centre, such as Botley Road and Abingdon Road are busy but Frideswide Square is dead when it comes to pedestrians, because people have decided not to bother.”

Witney Gazette:

Amanda Suliman-Bell

This time of year is traditionally busy for retailers, as shoppers gear-up for Christmas.

But Ms Suliman-Bell added: “In November, we expect people to start shopping but it’s just not happening and by December, it may be too late for some of us.”

Stuart Haigh, a director with accountancy firm Whitley Stimpson, deals with 400 small firms in Oxfordshire and says those involved with deliveries, such as florists, bricklayers and shopkeepers are worst hit.

He said: “I have been doing this for 30 years and have never known it be as bad for the little businesses I deal with.”

The traffic jams are expected to last until April 2015 as the various projects are completed.

Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council, said the roadworks were having “a clear impact on the way business is being run”.

Witney Gazette:

Shoaib Ahmed, owner of Taxi Vans Oxford

Mr Price said he had been visiting local businesses to assess how bad an effect the roadworks were having.

Martin Crabtree, spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council said: “We recognise that the work we are doing at the moment is causing frustration for all road users, including business.

“Ultimately, while the delays that people are experiencing at the moment are frustrating, the work is being done to ensure that the transport system is sustainable and able to meet the ambitions of residents and business.”

He said the council has meetings with bus companies, and allows taxi companies, freight and haulage companies to comment on any proposals. Mr Crabtree added: “Businesses and residents are also informed of work which affects them so that they can plan ahead.”

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.