Some could say that David Edwards had one of the hardest jobs in Oxford.

As transport and planning manager for the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, he was charged with reducing traffic to the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals in Headington - one of the most heated topics among residents in the area.

Before his sudden death on Tuesday, January 9, Mr Edwards, 55, witnessed the fruition of probably the largest part of his plans when a dedicated £2m bus lane from Osler Road to the JR opened.

The scheme was - and still is - highly contentious, with many arguing that Osler Road's infrastructure could not cope with buses.

But keen cyclist Mr Edwards, who lived with his family in Tackley, was dedicated to the cause of public transport and little fazed him. During his six-and-a-half years at the ORH, he had not only taken flak from nearby residents, but also from hospital staff and patients.

Workers hated changes which prevented many of them from parking on site and encouraged them to commute on buses instead.

Those who were handed car parking permits were angry they had to pay up to £300 for the privilege.

With development work in full force at both the JR and Churchill, parking was often the casualty, and patients and visitors were often critical of the disruption.

Many hated the barrier system at the JR, which was adopted last year and included a controversial decision to make disabled blue badge holders pay to park.

Others complained that a reduction in car parking made it difficult to get to appointments - even though Mr Edwards always underlined that parking had been increased for patients.

ORH director of estates and facilities Ian Humphries said: "David was a gentleman and his ability to get on with people meant he was a respected colleague and friend to many.

"He was a quiet and resourceful man who achieved a lot through his tenacity and commitment on a range of estate issues, most notably in improving transport to and from hospital for patients and staff.

"David was an advocate of green travel and a familiar face on buses and trains in Oxfordshire. Above all, I and many of his friends will remember David for his unique and often dry sense of humour - he will be missed greatly, both personally and professionally."