BUSINESS leader Christopher Quinton has launched a national campaign aimed at easing traffic congestion on the road, writes David Duffy.

Christopher Quinton, the president of the Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, wants the Government to introduce 'best traffic practice' from other countries into the UK.

His suggestions include:

*Restricting motorway outside lanes to cars with two or more passengers in rush hours

*Allowing cars to turn left at red traffic lights if the lane ahead is clear

*Allowing cities to use flashing amber at traffic lights late at night.

Mr Quinton, managing director of computer systems designers Halarose, at Woodcote, said: "We know these measures have been successful in other countries in reducing traffic congestion and pollution and saving fuel.

"They could make a huge impact here too, by freeing up road space and un-clogging our major routes.

"The benefits to business in both time and fuel saving would run into many millions of pounds."

He has written to the director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, Chris Humphries, urging him to take up the campaign at a national level.

The call came after a retail survey showed Oxford slipped two places to 60th place in a league of Britain's top shopping centres. Roger Rosewell, spokesman for pressure group Rescue Oxford, which objects to the city's transport strategy, known as the OTS, said shoppers and visitors were being driven away.

He said: "The city is difficult to navigate, parking charges are too high and motorists are switching to neighbouring towns. OTS has become known as 'out of town' shopping."