Distinguished historian Count Nikolai Tolstoy, 89, said the severely-delayed roadworks in Botley Road are making it impossible for pensioners like himself to get safely in and out of Oxford city centre to go shopping, see friends and use public amenities like theatres and libraries.
Speaking from his home just outside Oxford, he said: “I like to use buses to get into the city to buy essentials and see friends and family.
“But because of the unending roadworks I now have to get off the bus before the council’s road closure at Botley Road then walk a long distance through crowded streets to get to the city centre.
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Count Nikolai Tolstoy (Image: Contributed) “Like many people my age, I have back problems so a long walk is really painful.
“Trying to avoid cyclists and scooter-riders is also very stressful for pensioners like me.
“It seems like pensioners are far below cyclists, and everyone else, in the council’s priorities.”
Count Tolstoy also criticised plans to introduce six traffic filters, which will automatically fine private cars without the correct permits from entering central Oxford on six key roads.
“The traffic filters are very bad news for pensioners,” he said.
“Pensioners like me often rely on friends and family to drive us in private cars – for instance in cold or rainy weather, or when we are unwell, or for awkward journeys.
“Using buses often means setting off much earlier and returning home later, and taxis are expensive. It’s not realistic for Oxfordshire County Council to expect pensioners to use buses for every journey.
“The traffic filters will mean pensioners have to spend more time at home.”
Count Tolstoy added: “It’s time for pensioners to make ourselves heard. The council is making it more difficult for us to get around.
“I call on my fellow pensioners to rise up. Write to your councillor, ask questions at county council meetings, and talk to the media.
“I’d like to see a pensioners’ protest in Oxford city centre. But knowing the council, we’d all get stuck in roadworks on the way.”
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Oxfordshire County Council previously said: “The closure of Botley Road since April 2023 is continuing to impact traffic and transport in Oxford.
“The county council’s travel policies in the central Oxfordshire travel plan and Oxfordshire’s local transport and connectivity plan are designed to make Oxfordshire a better place for everyone.
“Part of that means addressing the longstanding problem of traffic in and around Oxford.
“One of the key measures for reducing traffic and improving bus journeys is the traffic filters trial, which is also delayed until Botley Road is reopened.”
Count Tolstoy is a relative of Leo Tolstoy, the author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina.
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About the author
Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government.
He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years.
Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby