THE new traffic system in Frideswide Square has been shortlisted for a national transport award.

The £6.7m project to rid the area of traffic lights and create mini-roundabouts is in with a chance of winning at the National Transport Times Awards.

To be shortlisted Oxfordshire County Council must have shown tangible results the scheme has achieved in improving the experience of transport users. 

The scheme has been criticised recently by businesses and motorists as council contractors Skanska have had to repair damaged kerbs and pavements.

The county council admitted it was "stumped" by what could have caused cracks in the pavement but conceded it had made the roundabout opposite the Royal Oxford Hotel "too tight."

But the council insisted the new system had improved traffic flow.

The council will find out on October 13 whether or not it has scooped the national prize.