Oxfordshire County Council has pledged "firm action" against Scottish and Southern Electricity Network for the closing an A40 slip road without street works permits being approved. A40 slip road at Marston (Image: OCC)As highways authority, the council has vowed to issue fines and other fees against the company for the unauthorised closure. "Oxfordshire County Council has been an excellent partner in this long-term, county-wide project, and we thank them for their ongoing support. "However, for urgent safety reasons - namely some motorists carrying out illegal manoeuvres to avoid the lane closure on the main carriageway - the slip road was immediately closed on 30 June 2026. “Works were completed last weekend; the slip road reopened on 2 August 2026.