RESIDENTS on a north Oxford neighbourhood say they are being kept awake at night by ‘rumble strips’ just yards from their properties.

The cobblestone traffic calming measures, at the junction of Elizabeth Jennings Way and Lark Hill, were put in to slow cars entering the estate on the site of a former car parts factory.

But the noise of cars running over them – described as a ‘rumble, rumble, thwack, thwack’ – is driving homeowners to distraction, and one has resorted to ear plugs to get a good night’s sleep.

Sixteen residents from the flats and town houses that flank the junction are now calling for the cobblestones to be removed.

Allan Freinkel, who lives in Elizabeth Jennings Way, said residents were all in favour of traffic calming, but rumble strips were not the answer.

He said: “The strips are clearly designed to make a noise.

“It’s impossible to get a decent night’s sleep.

“I have resorted to ear plugs.”

Mr Freinkel said the development was a fantastic place to live with wonderful views of the surrounding area.

Property in the area is desirable – with apartments on sale at more than £500,000.

Mr Freinkel, who works in software, added: “It is a low frequency sound and it goes straight through the walls.

“You cannot sleep with the windows open, which is really problematic in summer.”

County councillor for Summertown and Wolvercote Jean Fooks said the traffic calming measures had been put in by developers at the request of County Hall planners.

She added: “These are not achieving what they wanted, they are causing a nuisance and the have to come out.

“Chicanes would work better.”

Ms Fooks said Elizabeth Jennings Way was the only road into the estate and so was subject to heavy traffic.

Developer Berkeley Homes built the road and plans are in place for it to be adopted by Oxfordshire County Council.

The residents presented a petition requesting the removal of the strips to Oxfordshire County Council at a meeting on Thursday.

County council spokesman Owen Morton said: “Both Elizabeth Jennings Way and Lark Hill are currently in private ownership, and not therefore the responsibility of Oxfordshire County Council.

“When the traffic calming measures were built by the developer, they would have complied with contemporary highway authority standards.

“However, the council has noted residents’ concerns and is currently taking steps to adopt these roads.”

Berkeley Homes was unavailable for comment.