Answers given after drivers forced to drive through bus gate

Locals were alarmed to see that gas works had commenced last week on the A417 close to the Elder Way bus gate in Wantage.

This meant that drivers were forced to drive through the bus gate itself and risk getting a fine while other roads in the town were hit by floods.

Though the flooding has subsided, the gas works remain in place and were recently extended, causing more cause for concern for those living and working in the area.

The gas works in Wantage have been causing problems for drivers (Image: Andrew Holding)

A anonymous householder said at the time: "The A417 into Wantage has been closed because of a gas leak.

"The people who live in the Kingsgrove estate are being diverted down Featherbed Lane which is now flooded.

"The only other way in and out of the estate is to through the Bus Gate but if you do you will get a fine.

"People are trying to get the council to switch the cameras off so that they can go that way but with no luck.”

Councillors Jane Hanna and Jenny Hannaby said: “Since our update yesterday a senior officer at Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed to us that the gas works have been extended.

“As a result, the bus gate will remain open to all traffic until the work finishes. We will keep watching the permit and if it is extended further please take it as given that the bus gate relaxation will be extended also.

“As we drove through bus gates ourselves we were also keen to hear that no drivers who have used the bus gate since the gas started will be fined."

Having confirmed the news that no residents were to face fines, the pair of councillors also informed locals on how to cancel any bus gate fines that had already been acquired in the past days.

Councillors Jenny Hannaby and Jane Hanna. (Image: Ed Nix)

“If any resident has received a fine, they [should] let the parking team know via parking@oxfordshire.gov.uk and they will ensure the fines are promptly cancelled,” informed the councillors in the joint statement.

“Officers will be meeting with us shortly so we will be in a position to update you further on other requests we have made to help residents.”