Westminster Debate Highlights Case for Witney Rail Link

An Oxfordshire Member of Parliament has stated that a proposed railway line connecting Oxford, Eynsham, Witney, and Carterton could reduce travel times by up to 70%. Liberal Democrat Charlie Maynard, who represents Witney, cautioned that without this rail connection, anticipated housing expansion in the area would create an “unsustainable long-term problem.” On Wednesday, Mr. Maynard initiated a discussion in Westminster Hall, advocating for investment in these proposals. In response, a transport minister acknowledged “significant challenges” associated with the project, particularly concerning its estimated cost, which is reported to be around £600 million for extending the line to Carterton North. Trains operated between Oxford and Witney until 1962, when the route was closed as part of numerous line closures across the country. Mr. Maynard suggested that the reintroduction of the line could be partially financed by private landowners and developers, in exchange for permission to construct new homes near stations. He remarked, “That might sound radical, that’s what our Victorian forebears did 150 years ago, it’s what Japan, Korea and Hong Kong do, it’s what much of Northern Europe does.” He argued that housing development would gain greater acceptance in the area if accompanied by investment in rail infrastructure. However, he warned that without the rail link, road journeys between Oxford and Witney would take an additional half an hour by 2031. “We will be delivering on our side of the bargain of getting all those houses into West Oxfordshire in a coherent and sensible way,” he stated. He added, “Because without a railway solution we will not have that solution and we will have an unsustainable and long term problem.” Transport minister Lilian Greenwood expressed concerns about the cost during her response in the debate. She noted that other projects, which are further along in the planning process, were already under scrutiny due to funding worries. She commented, “The government has been forced to look again at the economic inheritance left by the last government.” She further stated, “And the Secretary of State has announced her intention to conduct… and indeed it’s ongoing, a thorough review of the previous government’s transport plans.” Despite the project facing “significant challenges,” she conveyed her hope that those supporting the idea would not abandon it. She said: “I therefore encourage the Honourable Member to continue to work with his local authorities and stakeholders to develop the proposal further and I absolutely commend the work that he’s doing to pursue alternative funding sources.” You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.