Lorry movements through the Oxfordshire town of Chipping Norton may be reduced in a bid to improve air quality and cut traffic congestion.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet has approved for its transport planner to look at options to impose a weight limit on the A44 into the town, and change the route’s status.

It will also investigate whether a new low emission zone would allow for better enforcement of restrictions. Proposals will be included in an Air Quality Action Plan which West Oxfordshire District Council is to submit to the Government this year.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Oxfordshire’s cabinet member for transport, said: Chipping Norton is like many market towns in England. It was not built to cope with the amount of traffc now on its roads. ‘We are considering ways of alleviating traffic congestion while at the same time improving air quality.’