Oxford's highways chief has come under criticism for suggesting businesses in the city are "flourishing" despite controversial traffic restrictions.

LTNs (low traffic neighbourhoods) were introduced in Oxford in May 2022 with the aim of making streets safer but have since proved controversial and have been blamed for increasing congestion.

Cabinet member for transport management on Oxfordshire County Council, Andrew Gant, took to X - formerly known as Twitter - to congratulate the Dosa Darlings restaurant in Cowley Road.

This comes after the eatery announced it would be adding an outdoor area and extending its service hours.

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Mr Gant said: "Huge congratulations to the owners of Dosa Darlings for making such a great contribution to the area and to Oxford.

"It's so great to see businesses like this flourishing in places and spaces which work for people."

Andrew Gant.Andrew Gant. (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

Speaking out on the praise, Oxford East Independent MP candidate Amir Steve Ali, who works at the Rice Box restaurant in Cowley Road, said: "Mr Gant needs to come into the real world and not sit behind closed doors pretending it's alright.

"Any business when it first opens up is naturally busy in the early days. "I think he's afraid to face reality."

Amir Steve Ali.Amir Steve Ali. (Image: Ed Nix.)

"I'm surprised he's not commenting about the negative things."

Mr Ali said he was "doing his (Mr Gant's) job" by going round and speaking to businesses on Cowley Road to hear their thoughts.

Responding to the criticism, Mr Gant said: "Any successful economy is fluid and dynamic with many factors in play.

Dosa Darlings.Dosa Darlings. (Image: Google Maps.)

"There is plenty of evidence that policies like ours have a beneficial impact because they create places where people want to be.

"Broad Street is flourishing since we stopped using it as a car park, and we can all think of town centres and retail areas elsewhere which work because they’ve been reclaimed from congestion and through traffic.

"That is our vision, and it is great to see businesses thriving as we turn it into reality."

Dosa Darlings' new alfresco area.Dosa Darlings' new alfresco area. (Image: Google Maps.)

We approached the Dosa Darlings restaurant for comment on its expansion and to ask whether staff think it has been affected by traffic restrictions.

Manager Lloyd Dcosta said: "Honestly the people who come and visit us don’t really complain about the traffic.

"I would not say we have been completely unaffected but somewhat.

"We do have parking issues."

Green St Mary's ward councillor Emily Kerr said: "There are loads of businesses in and around Cowley Road doing really well and I’m excited to see Dosa Darlings expanding.

Emily Kerr.Emily Kerr. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"This follows the recent opening of a huge new climbing space, Gallery Bouldering, the reopening of the Oxford Blue as a vegan pub, and the inaugural Magdalen Road food festival.

"East Oxford is a fantastic place to visit and shop and I highly recommend people come and see it for themselves - I’m also very excited the Cowley Road Carnival is returning this year."

Cowley ward Independent Oxford Alliance councillor Ian Yeatman said: "Sadly, councillor Gant and Oxfordshire County Council continue to display an appalling disregard for the overall plight of our local independent businesses.

Ian Yeatman.Ian Yeatman. (Image: Contribution.)

"Insights from our mobile traders focus groups, the Magdalen Road business survey, and testimony from business owners along Cowley Road have brought significant issues to light, but these concerns remain unaddressed.

"Many businesses, still dealing with the aftermath of the disastrous LTN scheme, now fear for their survival as traffic filters are set to be implemented just before the critical Christmas trading period."

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi