Plans to accommodate up to 1,250 male asylum seekers at a former Ministry of Defence site in Piddington, Oxfordshire, include providing high-visibility jackets to reduce the risk of accidents involving vehicles, according to government documents. The site, which is set to house migrants who will be free to come and go, has faced opposition from local residents and politicians who argue the location is unsuitable.

The government intends to supply the asylum seekers with minibuses to travel to nearby towns, including the closest town, Bicester, approximately five miles away. However, concerns remain over the safety of those who might choose to walk, as the surrounding roads lack pavements and are subject to a 50 mph speed limit. The planning documents acknowledge that the site is without safe, paved routes and detail plans to distribute high-visibility vests to those who walk to help prevent road accidents.

Opponents of the asylum camp have cited transport risks alongside worries about potential increases in crime. The planned population of asylum seekers would significantly outnumber the village’s residents, with 1,250 migrants compared to roughly 350 locals, including more than 130 women and 46 children. Some villagers have described the area as unsafe for pedestrians, with Ian Darby, a 63-year-old resident, labeling the available walking path as a "death trap" due to its narrow width of about one meter.

The controversy around the camp prompted a symbolic referendum in the village, held recently to gauge local sentiment on whether Piddington should leave the United Kingdom. The outcome was scheduled for announcement shortly after the vote, underscoring the level of community concern about the planned development.

The government has emphasized measures intended to mitigate safety risks, though local opposition remains steadfast over the suitability of the site and its impact on the village’s infrastructure and security.