Fears for traffic on Cotswold lanes with Jeremy Clarkson pub opening

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The grand opening of Jeremy Clarkson’s Oxfordshire pub could be overshadowed by potential traffic issues on the busy A40 during the August bank holiday weekend. The Farmer’s Dog Instagram account posted a picture of a fox-red labrador captioned “The Farmer’s Dog opens Friday 23rd August 12pm.OX18 4HJ ///grinders.fruits.pints #backbritishfarmingdrinkhawkstone.follow us to get the latest news” yesterday. I’ve been before on a busy day, but this was insane.” A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: “Several measures have been taken to reduce the likelihood of traffic and parking-related problems, and to support the safe and successful opening of the site.” “The layby located on the A40 opposite the pub will be temporarily closed as a precautionary safety measure to prevent its use by those visiting the pub who would then need to have crossed the busy A40 on foot.” They added, “Consideration is being given to a reduction in the speed limit from the existing 60mph to 40mph to improve safety on each of the approaches to the A40 roundabout, including that of the B4047.” Liam Walker, County Councillor for the Hanborough and Minster Lovell Division on Oxfordshire County Council, warned locals on Facebook last week that “Jeremy Clarkson will be opening his pub next weekend on the Asthall roundabout on the A40 so expect delays in the area…” Walker said that he is “working on getting mitigations in place to reduce traffic and parking issues” to ensure “lessons have been learnt from the farm shop”. Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm shop has been plagued with snaking queues since it opened, and plans for a 70-vehicle car park on the farm plot were originally opposed by Oxfordshire County Council.