Key Points
- Oxfordshire County Council to cease Oxon Travel updates on X (formerly Twitter) from next week.
- Move prompted by decision to quit X platform entirely due to concerns over content moderation and leadership.
- Oxon Travel account has over 15,000 followers and provides real-time traffic, roadworks, and disruption info.
- Council shifting focus to other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp channels.
- No immediate replacement specified for X-specific updates; public urged to follow alternatives.
- Announcement made amid broader UK councils reviewing social media presence post-Elon Musk acquisition.
- Travel updates remain available via council website and app.
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Oxford(Oxford Daily)April 09, 2026 – Drivers in Oxfordshire face changes to how they receive vital traffic information after the council announced it will quit X and end updates from its popular Oxon Travel account.
Why is Oxfordshire County Council Quitting X?
The decision affects Oxon Travel, the council’s dedicated account for highways and travel news, which boasts more than 15,000 followers. As reported by Laura Howard of Oxford Mail, council cabinet member for highways and transport, Liam Walker, confirmed the account will cease operations on X from next week. Walker stated that “we will no longer be posting on X from next week.”
This move aligns with the council’s broader exit from X, driven by unease over the platform’s direction under Elon Musk. Howard’s coverage in Oxford Mail on April 9, 2026, details how the council reviewed its communications strategy amid concerns about “hate speech, misinformation, and poor content moderation” on X.
Councillors voted in February 2026 to leave X, following similar actions by other UK local authorities. Oxon Travel had served as a key channel for real-time alerts on road closures, accidents, roadworks, and public transport disruptions across Oxfordshire.
What Happens to Oxon Travel Updates After Quitting X?
Residents and commuters will need to turn to alternative channels for Oxfordshire travel updates. The council plans to maintain posts on Facebook and Instagram, where it already shares similar content. A new WhatsApp channel has also launched for direct notifications.
As detailed by Howard in Oxford Mail, the council’s website and MyOxfordshire app will continue providing comprehensive travel information, including live maps and alerts. No specific timeline was given for a direct X replacement, but officials emphasised multi-platform coverage.
The Oxon Travel X account, active since 2011, had become a go-to source during major incidents like the A40 closures and flooding events. Followers received updates on everything from temporary traffic lights to major infrastructure projects such as the Eynsham Eastern Bypass.
Which Other Platforms Will Handle Oxfordshire Travel News?
Council communications lead Andrew Gant outlined the shift in a statement covered by Oxford Mail. Facebook remains the primary hub, with over 20,000 followers, followed by Instagram for visual updates. The WhatsApp channel, introduced earlier in 2026, allows opt-in subscriptions for personalised alerts.
Gant noted the council’s focus on “reliable and accessible channels” amid declining trust in X. This follows a pattern seen in councils like Manchester City Council and Cardiff Council, which also curtailed X use after 2023 policy changes.
Oxford Times reporter James Bennett echoed these details in a companion piece on April 9, 2026, highlighting how Oxon Travel’s X posts averaged 50-100 daily during peak disruption periods. Bennett quoted council data showing 80% of followers accessed updates via mobile during commutes.
How Has Oxon Travel Served Oxfordshire Drivers?
Oxon Travel launched in 2011 to centralise highways information. It covered Oxfordshire’s 3,000 miles of roads, including key routes like the A34, A40, and M40 links. During the 2025 Cowley floods, the account issued over 200 updates, helping reroute thousands of vehicles.
Howard’s Oxford Mail article attributes to Walker the view that while X has been effective, the platform’s “recent changes” necessitated the exit. The council spent minimal direct budget on X, relying on staff time for posts.
Similar coverage appeared in Herald Series by journalist Sophie Corcoran, who reported on March 2026 cabinet discussions. Corcoran noted 15,437 followers at the time, with high engagement during events like the Oxford United match-day traffic management.
What Challenges Do Oxfordshire Commuters Face Now?
The shift raises questions for regular users reliant on X notifications. Push alerts and quick scrolls suited the platform’s format, unlike longer-form Facebook posts. Council data shows 40% of Oxon Travel interactions came from X in 2025.
Bennett in Oxford Times reported concerns from local businesses, such as logistics firms in Banbury and Didcot, which used the account for planning. No formal complaints have surfaced yet, but the council invites feedback via email.
The decision comes as Oxfordshire invests £100 million in road improvements for 2026-2027, including smart traffic systems. Updates on these will continue across platforms.
