A LIST of Bicester's biggest traffic bugbears has been submitted to council officials as part of a call to action from the community.

Bicester Traffic Action Group compiled the letter to Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for environment Yvonne Constance.

The list of demands includes a solution to long-running problems with London Road level crossing as well as the more recent issues with blocked gullies on the same stretch of road.

BicesterTAG co-chairwoman Jan Harvey said she hoped the letter could herald a new way of working with the council to find realistic solutions.

She added: "We are just hoping for some kind of communication really – anything is better than nothing: some feedback to highlight any plans for the A41 – which is a disaster waiting to happen – and with hotels planned along there in the near future all adding to the problems.

"We need to consider what improvements can be made now."

The letter, which was sent out to Ms Constance late last week, says for 'some time' the group have been calling for answers to several of the traffic issues blighting Bicester but to no avail.

Top of the list is the blocked gullies on London Road, some with weeds even growing in them and leading to dangerous conditions for road users.

Other issues mentioned include the Vendee Drive and A41 junction which the group say 'has been the site of many incidents, especially when approaching from the M40, due to excessive speeds'.

Additionally, they warn, 'the park and ride access is very close to the A41 arm'.

They asked for details of safety reports from these road changes.

It continues to address Middleton Stoney road markings confusing motorists, as well as the same stretch having poor road markings as do Oxford Road, and speeding problems also on the Middleton Stoney Road.

The group close the letter by saying: "We fully appreciate the financial restraints on maintenance budgets and what money there is has to be spent wisely and give the most value for money.

"For example surely cleaning gullies on a residential estate is not as important as clearing out blocked gullies on a Class 2 Road."

Oxfordshire County Council has said it has received the letter from BicesterTAG and will respond to the group directly.

But in addition, council spokesman Martin Crabtree said: "We are aware of the issue with blocked gullies on London Road. We have a resurfacing scheme planned and these will be dealt with when that work is done.

"There is also a review of lining in the area, in view of new development locally, and once this is complete any worn markings that are identified as needing to stay will be refreshed.

"There has been no decision from Network Rail to close the level crossing on London Road. A number of alignments for bridges and tunnels have been considered over the years.

"Because of the potential impact on properties, both residential and businesses, we are unable to provide detail at this stage.

"We are aware of the issues at the Vendee Drive/A41 roundabout. Safety Audits would have been carried when the scheme was installed, however, we have just commissioned our own audit to better understand the issues and possible solutions."