Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

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There were none.

Any county councillor may, by giving notice to the Proper Officer by 9 am two working days before the meeting, ask a question on any matter in respect of the Cabinet Member’s delegated powers.

The number of questions which may be asked by any councillor at any one meeting is limited to two (or one question with notice and a supplementary question at the meeting) and the time for questions will be limited to 30 minutes in total. As with questions at Council, any questions which remain unanswered at the end of this item will receive a written response.

Questions submitted prior to the agenda being despatched are shown below and will be the subject of a response from the appropriate Cabinet Member or such other councillor or officer as is determined by the Cabinet Member, and shall not be the subject of further debate at this meeting. Questions received after the despatch of the agenda, but before the deadline, will be shown on the Schedule of Addenda circulated at the meeting, together with any written response which is available at that time.

There were none.

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Requests to speak must be submitted by no later than 9am four working days before the meeting. Requests to speak should be sent to committeesdemocraticservices@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

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Item 5 – Bus Services Contracts Autumn 2024

None.

Item 6 – Road Safety – RAF Barford St John

None.

Item 7 – Blackbird Leys District Centre, Oxford – Proposed Highway Waiting Restrictions and Highway Improvements

Item 8 – Proposed Permit Parking Zone – Main Road (Access Road), Long Hanborough

None.

Item 9 – Proposed Two-Way Cycling – Sheep Street, Bicester (Experimental Order) 2024

Item 10 – Proposed Shared Footways/Cycleways – East Carterton

Item 11 – Eaton Hastings: A417 – 40mph Speed Limit Proposals

None.

Item 12 – Little Faringdon: 20mph Speed Limit Proposals

Item 13 – Shipton under Wychwood: Village 20mph Limit Proposals

Item 14 – Steeple Aston: 20mph Speed Limit Proposals

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 21 March 2024 to be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 March 2024 were agreed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Cabinet Member: Cabinet Member for Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/014

Contact: Dave Harrison, Public Transport Team Leader (Dave.Harrison@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Corporate Director for Environment and Place (CMDTMT5).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)           Approve a procurement process to secure new and continued bus service provision in Didcot, Oxford and West Oxfordshire;

(b)           Approve use of surplus ENCTS and LABSG for new contracts as detailed in Annex A; and

(c)      Delegate approval of final contract awards, and the use of ENCTS and LABSG on additional services as necessary, to the Director of Transport & Infrastructure.

The Chair welcomed all attendees to the meeting and introduced the item.

The report detailed plans for procurement processes to secure new and continued bus service provision in Didcot, Oxford and West Oxfordshire, aiming to improve services linked to the introduction of the Oxford Traffic Filters trial scheme.

The Chair emphasised that the decision was a technical one surrounding the procurement process and the acceptance of money from various sources, rather than the detailed design of the scheme.  

The Chair commented that it was a good example of partnership working with the bus operators and also of officers using the resources available to deliver high quality services.

The Chair noted that the report was a good example of policies working in conjunction with one another, citing the references to how the services would link in with the Oxford Traffic Filters trial scheme.

Continuing, the Chair stated that better bus services are apparent with more space on the roads and that can be done by reducing congestion on roads.

The Chair welcomed the proposed ‘600’ and ‘H2’ services that incorporated the John Radcliffe Hospital and noted that they would be well-used providing better connectivity to the hospitals in Oxford.

The Chair thanked officers for their work and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve a procurement process to secure new and continued bus service provision in Didcot, Oxford and West Oxfordshire;

b)    Approve use of surplus ENCTS and LABSG for new contracts as detailed in Annex A; and

c)    Delegate approval of final contract awards, and the use of ENCTS and LABSG on additional services as necessary, to the Director of Transport & Infrastructure.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/082

Contact: Matt Archer, Portfolio Manager – Central Programme Delivery

(Matt.Archer@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Corporate Director for Environment and Place (CMDTMT6)

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to;

a)    Accept on behalf of the County Council the DfT provided grant of £1.26m

b)    Approve the full scope of proposed works as provided in this report.

c)    Permit Officers to make reasonable adjustments, inclusions, omissions etc to the package of works as may be considered appropriate/necessary during the scheme’s development / delivery.

The report detailed funding provided from the Department of Transport of £1.26m to the County Council to improve highway safety at RAF Barford St John, as part of the United States Visiting Forces Road Safety Review, following a road traffic collision in 2019 whereby a United States citizen was driving on the wrong side of the road.

The Chair noted the technical nature of the decision due to the level of funding.

The Chair explained that the government had made funding available to look at safety around bases used by United States visiting military personnel and that the funding in the report was part of Oxfordshire’s allocation of those funds.

The Chair thanked officers for their work and approved the recommendations.

RESOLVED to:

a) Accept on behalf of the County Council the DfT provided grant of £1.26m

b) Approve the full scope of proposed works as provided in this report.

c) Permit Officers to make reasonable adjustments, inclusions, omissions etc to the package of works as may be considered appropriate/necessary during the scheme’s development / delivery.

Cabinet Member: Cabinet Member for Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/053

Contact: Julian Richardson, Highway Agreements Engineer (julian.richardson@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Corporate Director for Environment and Place (CMDTMT7).

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the following as advertised:

a)    New ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) parking prohibition   on both sides of Blackbird Leys Road,

b)    Two new ‘Tiger’ crossings for use by pedestrians & pedal cycles on Blackbird Leys Road,

c)    New ‘Zebra’ crossing (for use by pedestrians) on Cuddeson Way, and

d)    Sections of new shared & segregated cycle paths along both sides of Blackbird Leys Road.

The Chair invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair made a general point about cyclists and pedestrians in 3 of the reports that came to today’s meeting, referencing when they come into proximity with each other and stating that it would lead to accidents, without quoting incidents where it had happened. The Chair made it clear that his point did not mean that accidents have not happen, do not happen or will not happen.

The Chair emphasised that the scheme had planning permission, which meant that the design had been approved. The Chair made the point that three of the recommendations in the report are there to action Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to enable designs that are part of the planning consent. Thus, the Chair made clear that he didn’t have any discretion to change these at this stage. This was confirmed by the Director of Highways and Operations, who agreed that the Chair’s remit was quite narrow.

The Chair stated that the formal opportunity to consult on the design of the scheme was during the planning process. The Chair noted the considerable number of objections in this report about the loss of parking and the introduction of double-yellow lines. The Chair noted that the double-yellow lines were a condition of the planning approval.

The Chair referenced that Thames Valley Police had no objection to this proposal, providing that traffic monitoring had taken place. Officers stated that they would find out about that specific point.

The Chair noted that the report stated that concerns throughout the process had been raised by Oxfordshire County Council officers to the developers and Oxford City Council planning team, but that the suggestions were not taken forward when finalising the design.

The Chair stated that the report suggested that wider connectivity was outside of the project’s scope.

The Chair noted the difficulties in this scheme around communication, timeliness and design, and that considering the nature of issues were made publicly, feedback on issues in a future meeting would be appropriate. Senior officers agreed with the Chair and stated that a report would be brought back to a future meeting.

The Chair reiterated that the only grounds that he would have to reject this report would be if it did not fulfil Oxfordshire County Council’s statutory obligation, under Section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984.

Section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, states that:

‘(1) It shall be the duty of every local authority upon whom functions are conferred by or under this Act, so to exercise the functions conferred on them by this Act as (so far as practicable having regard to the matters specified in sub-section (2) below) to secure the expeditious convenient and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic (including pedestrians) and the provision of suitable and adequate parking facilities on and off the highway.

(2) The matters referred to in sub-section (1) above, as being specified in this sub-section  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27/24

Cabinet Member: Cabinet Member for Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/051

Contact: James Whiting, Parking Schemes and Traffic Orders Team Leader (James.Whiting@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Corporate Director for Environment and Place (CMDTMT8).

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the following as advertised:

a)    Proposed permit bays – Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm in the Main Road service road between No.228 (Windrush) and No. 222 (Evenlode Cottages) and adjacent to Nos.220a & 220b, and

b)    Replace the existing single yellow lines `No Waiting Monday to Friday 11am-12noon` in the Main Road service road, with Double Yellow Lines (No waiting at any time), except the section of road adjacent to the access of No.220, where an access protection marking (white line) will be provided.

The Chair introduced the report to the meeting.

The Chair picked up on respondents concerns about why parking would not be enforced on Sundays. Officers replied that this was seen as too onerous based on the history of the site and feedback received. It was made clear that the scheme would be kept under review depending on how it performs.

The Chair thanked officers for their work and agreed to the recommendations.

RESOLVED to:

a) Proposed permit bays – Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm in the Main Road service road between No.228 (Windrush) and No. 222 (Evenlode Cottages) and adjacent to Nos.220a & 220b, and

b) Replace the existing single yellow lines `No Waiting Monday to Friday 11am-12noon` in the Main Road service road, with Double Yellow Lines (No waiting at any time), except the section of road adjacent to the access of No.220, where an access protection marking (white line) will be provided.

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/070

Contact: Hanai, Faour, Assistant Transport Planner

(Hanaii.Faour@oxfordshire.gov.uk), Jacqui Cox, Place Planning North Manager (Jacqui.Cox@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Corporate Director for Environment and Place (CMDTMT9).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to permit two-way cycling throughout Sheep Street, Bicester and thus temporarily superseding the existing ‘no-cycling’ order.

The Chair invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair noted the point about policies being connected so as not to have potential harmful consequences, such as coach parking, in this instance.

The Chair referenced the perception of risk and stated that they didn’t want to discourage people who don’t want to take a risk.

The Chair stated that it was clear that Fridays were different to every other day on Sheep Street, due to the market set-up.

The Chair referred to an email from the Leader of Bicester Town Council.

The Chair noted that the majority of local County Councillors and Bicester Town Council requested that the item be deferred to allow for further public consultation.

The Chair requested that officers take the report away and have further public consultation, stressing that this does not change the policy, but adds in another layer of consultation with local residents and stakeholders.

The Chair thanked officers for their work and decided to defer the decision.  

RESOLVED to:

a)    Defer the decision on the introduction of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to permit two-way cycling throughout Sheep Street, Bicester and thus temporarily superseding the existing ‘no-cycling’ order.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/040

Contact: Julian Richardson, Highway Agreements Engineer,

(julian.richardson@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTMT10).

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Approve the shared-use foot & cycleways on Upavon Way, Carterton Road, Marsh Way/Norton Way, and Brize Norton Road in Carterton as advertised.

The Chair introduced public speakers to address the meeting and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair noted the support from Carterton Town Council, but acknowledged their concerns surrounding connectivity and the cycle paths being independent of one another. Officers noted these concerns and referenced the County Council’s Carterton Cycling and Infrastructure Plan that would come forward in the 2024/25 financial year.

The Chair thanked officers for their work and agreed to the recommendation.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the shared-use foot & cycleways on Upavon Way, Carterton Road, Marsh Way/Norton Way, and Brize Norton Road in Carterton as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Cabinet Member for Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/028

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Vision Zero Team Leader (Anthony.Kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Corporate Director for Environment and Place (CMDTMT11).

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a 40mph speed limit on the A417 at Eaton Hastings as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair referenced support from the local Parish Council and that local residents were supportive of the scheme.

The Chair thanked officers and speakers. The Chair agreed to the recommendation in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of a 40mph speed limit on the A417 at Eaton Hastings as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/042

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Vision Zero Team Leader (Anthony.Kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Corporate Director for Environment and Place (CMDTMT12).

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Little Faringdon as advertised.

The Chair invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair noted discussions between OCC, as a highways authority, and the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley happen regularly and have included speed limit proposals. The Chair was appreciative of the engagement on speed limit enforcement by TVP and looked forward to continuing constructive discussions.

The Chair made the point that 20mph speed limits are introduced where local areas ask for it, stating that over 80% of towns and parishes in Oxfordshire have asked for speed limit reductions to 20mph.

The Chair thanked officers for their work and approved the recommendation.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Little Faringdon as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/036

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Vision Zero Team Leader (Anthony.Kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Corporate Director for Environment and Place (CMDTMT13).

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Shipton under Wychwood as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted respondents’ points surrounding the suitability of the A361 for this scheme. Officers noted the concerns and stated that the formal criteria was followed for 20mph schemes.

The Chair thanked officers and approved the recommendation.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Shipton under Wychwood as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/048

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Vision Zero Team Leader (Anthony.Kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Corporate Director for Environment and Place (CMDTMT14).

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Steeple Aston as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted support from the Parish Council, except for objecting to the repeater speed limit signs. Officers noted in the report that repeater signs were needed to be effective as it was a ‘signs and lines’ initiative.

The Chair stated that visual signs were important, particularly in historic villages. Officers also pointed out that the guidelines were for signs to be every 250 metres, but that this was not proscribed in law.

The Chair stated that he was proud of the administration’s policies in this area as they provided meaningful change and benefit to the residents of Oxfordshire.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Steeple Aston as advertised.