After decades of campaigning and several near misses, a long-called-for toucan crossing on the A44 in Begbroke has finally opened, delivering a significant safety upgrade for pedestrians and cyclists in the village.
The crossing, located about 60 metres north of the Spring Hill Road roundabout, was officially opened on Friday afternoon in a ceremony attended by local residents, volunteers, and members of the Parish Council.
It features signals for both pedestrians and cyclists and marks a vital improvement on what was widely considered a dangerous section of road.
| Location | A44 Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire |
| Crossing Type | Staggered Toucan Crossing (pedestrians & cyclists) |
| Distance from Junction | ~60 metres north of Spring Hill Road roundabout |
| First Petition | 2021 |
| Funding Secured | Early 2023 via Oxfordshire County Council |
| Construction Start | January 2025 |
| Opening Date | April 2025 |
| Issues Encountered | Supplier delays, design changes, programming issues |
| Local Campaigners | Begbroke Parish Council, residents, Begbroke Link newsletter |
| Lead Councillor | Ian Middleton (Green Party, Kidlington South) |
| Benefits | Improved pedestrian and cyclist safety on a dangerous stretch of road |
Years of Local Effort Rewarded
The project marks the culmination of over 50 years of lobbying by Begbroke Parish Council and community activists, including the team behind the Begbroke Link newsletter. The crossing has been a persistent priority for locals due to the dangerous conditions at the site, where there have been multiple injuries and fatalities over the years.
Local county councillor Ian Middleton, who made securing the crossing a key pledge in his 2021 election campaign, played a pivotal role in pushing the project forward. Funding was secured over two years ago, but delays in scheduling and technical setbacks meant work only began in January this year. The crossing was fully commissioned late last week, just in time for Friday’s celebration.
A Community Celebration
The ribbon was cut by Cllr Middleton alongside his wife, Fiona Mawson, who is standing as a Green Party candidate in the upcoming County Council elections. The opening was followed by a community tea at the Village Hall, with refreshments provided by local volunteers and members of the Begbroke WI.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Middleton said:
“I’m immensely proud to have played a part in this historic moment for Begbroke. The village has been calling for this crossing for as long as I can remember, and it’s a great feeling to finally see it delivered.
“This is a testament to the power of community action. Local campaigners, the Parish Council, and the Begbroke Link all played an important role in maintaining pressure and helping secure the funding. I’m pleased to have helped bring the project over the line during my term.
“It’s already clear how valuable this new crossing is, with many residents using it throughout the day. Personally, I’m relieved to no longer have to dash across the dual carriageway during my regular runs up Spring Hill!”
Background: How the Crossing Finally Happened
The journey to deliver Begbroke’s new Toucan crossing has not been a smooth one. Although funding was secured almost two years ago, the project faced multiple delays. A major sticking point was securing “road space bookings”, the essential permissions to temporarily close parts of the busy A44 for construction work.
After sustained pressure from local councillors, the Parish Council, and residents, including the use of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to push for updates, Oxfordshire County Council formally granted the necessary bookings. Work finally began on January 6th, 2025.
The crossing layout was subject to a formal public consultation, with strong local support influencing the County Council’s final decision. The outcome was discussed at Cabinet level on 12 October 2023, clearing the way for the long-promised improvements to pedestrian and cyclist safety on this fast stretch of road.
The result is a staggered Toucan crossing, specifically designed to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the dual carriageway in two safer stages rather than attempting to traverse both lanes at once.
Safer Journeys Ahead
The new toucan crossing is expected to significantly improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists who previously had to navigate the busy A44 without support. It is especially beneficial for families with young children, older residents, and those commuting on foot or by bike.
The crossing also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustained civic engagement and local government responsiveness.
