Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were none.

Any county councillor may, by giving notice to the Proper Officer by 9 am three working days before the meeting, ask a question on an item on the agenda.

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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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There were three registered speakers, with some speakers addressing more than one item.

Item 5: Proposed Changes to the My Bus Ticketing Scheme

Robin Tucker

Item 6: Active Travel Guidance for Street Works

Danny Yee

Robin Tucker

Item 7: Carterton - Proposed 20mph Speed Limits

Robin Tucker

Item 8: Proposed 40 & 50mph Speed Limits (A361)

Robin Tucker

Item 9: Ladygrove East, Land Off Abingdon Road, Didcot - Highway Improvements

Robin Tucker

Councillor Tony Worgan

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 18 June 2026 and for the Chair to sign them as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2026 were approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Cabinet Member: Transport

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/053 

Key Decision

Contact: Alyn Jones, Capital Schemes Lead – Bus Service Improvements (Alyn.Jones@oxfordshire.gov.uk)  

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDT5). 

Proposed changes to the MyBus multi operator ticketing scheme, for 2026/27 and beyond, to ensure its long-term financial sustainability.

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

Approve the following changes to the MyBus ticketing scheme:

a)    Implementation of ticket price increases from 1 August 2026 or as soon as practically possible after this date.

b)    Delegate authority to the Director for Environment & Highways, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, to cancel or postpone the potential further increase in fares in January 2027 – where alternative funding is identified or where the August 2026 change has resulted in the overall financial position of the MyBus scheme remaining within the available budget.

c)    Utilisation of the remaining c.£300k BSIP/Bus Grant funding carried forward from 2025/26 to support the costs of the MyBus scheme in 2026/27 (if required).

d)    Introduction of a new 28-day (monthly) MyBus ticket product for both adults and young people from 1 April 2027 in line with Government Enhanced Partnership requirements, giving delegated authority for the price to be set by the Director for Environment & Highways in consultation with the Cabinet Member.

e)    Introduction of a simplified reimbursement approach for smaller operators, whereby those with expected monthly reimbursements below £50 receive a fixed payment for participating in the scheme.

f)     Introduction of a standard refund policy for MyBus tickets across all participating operators, to ensure a consistent approach.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

Officers noted that the My Bus scheme had seen substantial growth in usage since its introduction, leading to costs significantly exceeding the funding available through the Department for Transport bus grant.

Officers explained that the proposed fare revisions were intended to secure the long-term sustainability of the scheme whilst retaining the benefits of an integrated multi-operator ticket, whilst also proposing the introduction of a 28-day ticket, simplified reimbursement arrangements and further work on fares and ticketing through the OxBus: 2040 Plan and Enhanced Partnership Plus programme.

The Chair noted that the My Bus scheme had been a significant success in encouraging bus use, particularly among younger passengers, but that increased demand and changes to national bus fare policies had resulted in the scheme becoming financially unsustainable under its current pricing structure.

The Chair expressed concern about the impact of the proposed changes on young people and emphasised the benefits the scheme had delivered in terms of integrated ticketing and supporting public transport use.

The Chair noted his intention to write to the Secretary of State for Transport regarding the funding pressures facing local authorities.

The Chair welcomed commitments to undertake further work through the emerging OxBus 2040 Plan and Enhanced Partnership arrangements, including greater engagement with young people and consideration of future multi-operator ticketing options. An additional recommendation g) encapsulating this request was included in the recommendations.

The Chair also stated that any future fare increases should be the subject of a further report rather than delegated authority, which meant he would reject recommendation b).

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to recommendations a), c), d), e), f) and g), whilst rejecting recommendation b).

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following changes to the MyBus ticketing scheme:

a) Implementation of ticket price increases from 1 August 2026 or as soon as practically possible after this date.

b) Delegate authority to the Director for Environment & Highways, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, to cancel or postpone the potential further increase in fares in January 2027 – where alternative funding is identified or where the August 2026 change has resulted in the overall financial position of the MyBus scheme remaining within the available budget. (REJECTED)

 c) Utilisation of the remaining c.£300k BSIP/Bus Grant funding carried forward from 2025/26 to support the costs of the MyBus scheme in 2026/27 (if required).

d) Introduction of a new 28 day (monthly) MyBus ticket product for both adults and young people from 1 April 2027 in line with Government Enhanced Partnership requirements, giving delegated authority for the price to be set by the Director for Environment & Highways in consultation with the Cabinet Member.

e) Introduction of a simplified reimbursement approach for smaller operators, whereby those with expected monthly reimbursements below £50

f) Introduction of a standard refund policy for MyBus tickets across all participating operators, to ensure a consistent approach.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47/26

Cabinet Member: Transport

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/076

Non-Key Decision

Contact: Phil Whitfield, Head of Network Management (Phil.Whitfield@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDT6)

Proposal to discuss guidance documentation prepared by the network co-ordination team to provide better outcomes

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Note the process taken in the development of the Active Travel Guidance for Street Works documentation.

b)    Approve the “Active Travel Guidance for Street Works” document

c)    Delegate authority to the Director for Environment & Highways to make amendments to the “Active Travel Guidance for Street Works” in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.

d)    Endorse the contents of the document.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited peakers to make their contributions and responded to their points in turn.

Officers explained that the Active Travel Guidance for Street Works had been developed to support the Council’s active travel objectives by bringing together existing legislation, national guidance and best practice into a single Oxfordshire-specific document.

Officers noted that the guidance would help ensure the needs of people walking, wheeling and cycling were considered at the earliest stages of planning street works and would be promoted through permit processes, contractor engagement and inspector training, whilst confirming co-production with stakeholders had taken place in the development of the scheme.

The Chair welcomed the guidance and noted that street works were often a significant source of concern for residents, parish councils and local councillors. The Chair considered that the document represented a positive step forward in promoting best practice and improving conditions for active travel during temporary works, whilst welcoming the collaborative approach that had been undertaken in developing the guidance.

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

RESOLVED to:

a) Note the process taken in the development of the Active Travel Guidance for Street Works documentation.

b) Approve the “Active Travel Guidance for Street Works” document

c) Delegate authority to the Director for Environment & Highways to make amendments to the “Active Travel Guidance for Street Works” in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.

d) Endorse the contents of the document.

Cabinet Member: Transport

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/143

Non-Key Decision 

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

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDT7). 

Proposals as part of the County Council's 20mph speed limit project.

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the proposals for 20mph speed limits at Carterton as advertised – except for the lengths of the following roads: 

i)               Alvescot Road,

ii)             Black Bourton Road,

iii)           Brize Norton Road,

iv)           Burford Road – north of its junction with Upavon Way, and

v)             Burford Road – south of its junction with Sellwood Drive.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their contributions and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair acknowledged the significant level of public engagement received through the consultation process and thanked Carterton Town Council for its detailed review of the proposals following consultation. Officers explained that the scheme had been revised from the original proposals following further consideration by the Town Council.

The Chair recognised the road safety benefits associated with 20mph schemes but also noted the high level of opposition submitted through the consultation.

The Chair considered that, given the scale of further consideration by the Town Council and the level of public interest, it would be appropriate to undertake further consultation on the amended proposals, before reaching a decision.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and deferred the recommendations in the report to allow for further public consultation.

RESOLVED to:

Defer the recommendations below for further public consultation:

a) Approve the proposals for 20mph speed limits at Carterton as advertised – except for the lengths of the following roads:

i)               Alvescot Road,

ii)             Black Bourton Road,

iii)           Brize Norton Road,

iv)           Burford Road – north of its junction with Upavon Way, and

v)             Burford Road – south of its junction with Sellwood Drive.

Cabinet Member: Transport  

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/075 

Key Decision 

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

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDT8). 

Proposed changes for safety reasons along the A361 corridor include reductions to 40 and 50mph on various lengths and are being promoted under Vision Zero projects.

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

Approve the following speed limit amendments on the A361 between Williamscot & Bradwell, as advertised:

(a)           New 40mph speed limits:

                                 i.         at Williamscot Hill, between its junction with the access to ‘Earlswood’ at Thatchems Farm, and a point northeast of its junction with Thorpe Road,

                                ii.         at Shipton-under-Wychwood, between a point south of its junction with Dog Kennel Lane, and a point south of its junction with Upper End,

                               iii.         at Bradwell Grove, between a point north of Woodside Drive at Bradwell Grove, and a point south of the Kencot junction.

(b)           A new 50mph speed limit between Chipping Norton & Shipton-under-Wychwood.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their contributions and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair noted that the proposals formed part of the County Council's wider review of speed limits on rural A and B roads and related to locations where collision history, road characteristics or adjacent land uses supported lower speed limits. Officers highlighted the collision record at a number of the locations concerned.

The Chair acknowledged concerns raised by bus operators regarding potential impacts on journey times but noted the wider road safety benefits of the proposals and welcomed the absence of objection from Thames Valley Police. The Chair concluded that the measures represented a proportionate response to known safety issues.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following speed limit amendments on the A361 between Williamscot & Bradwell, as advertised:

a) New 40mph speed limits:

i. at Williamscot Hill, between its junction with the access to ‘Earlswood’ at Thatchems Farm, and a point northeast of its junction with Thorpe Road,

ii. at Shipton-under Wychwood, between a point south of its junction with Dog Kennel Lane, and a point south of its junction with Upper End,

iii. at Bradwell Grove, between a point north of Woodside Drive at Bradwell Grove, and a point south of the Kencot junction.

b) A new 50mph speed limit between Chipping Norton & Shipton-under Wychwood.

Cabinet Member: Transport

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/118 

Non-Key Decision

Contact: Aaron Morton, Senior Engineer (Aaron.Morton@oxfordshire.gov.uk)  

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDT9). 

Pedestrian, cycle and vehicular access infrastructure to residential development from the Hadden Hill Roundabout / Abingdon Road which is required to implement the residential development.

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

Approve the following traffic/highway improvements in Didcot, as advertised:

(a)           A4130 Hadden Hil:

                                 i.         Extend the existing 30mph speed limit eastwards for approximately 130 metres,

                                ii.         Two new Toucan crossings (a signal-controlled crossing for use by pedestrians and cyclists) either side of the roundabout junction with the access to the ‘Hadden Hill’ retail park,

                               iii.         Four new bus stop clearways, with ‘No stopping except local buses’ restrictions,

                              iv.         New sections of segregated foot/cycleway (5 metres wide) on the North side,

                                v.         New section of shared foot/cycleway (3 metres wide) on the south side.

(b)           A4130 Abingdon Road:

                                 i.         Two new Toucan crossings (a signal-controlled crossing for use by pedestrians and cyclists) either side of the junction with Tamar Way,

                                ii.         Two new bus stop clearways, with ‘No stopping except local buses’ restrictions,

                               iii.         New section of segregated foot/cycleway (5 metres wide) on the East side, and

                              iv.         New section of shared foot/cycleway (3 metres wide) on the west side, south of Tamar Way.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair noted that the proposals included new toucan crossings, bus stops and upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure associated with the Ladygrove East development. Officers advised that the scheme was being delivered through existing Section 106 obligations.

The Chair acknowledged concerns regarding the discontinuity in cycling provision along part of Abingdon Road, the limitations imposed by historic planning obligations and the wider lack of integration across transport schemes within Didcot. Officers confirmed that opportunities to secure additional land for an improved cycling facility had been explored but had not been taken forward by the developer.

The Chair supported further engagement with local stakeholders regarding future transport planning in Didcot and requested that a letter be sent to the developer, copied to South Oxfordshire District Council, encouraging reconsideration of opportunities to improve provision for active travel. The Chair also welcomed the suggestion of a wider strategic discussion regarding transport infrastructure across Didcot.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following traffic/highway improvements in Didcot, as advertised:

a) A4130 Hadden Hill:

i. Extend the existing 30mph speed limit eastwards for approximately 130 metres,

ii. Two new Toucan crossings (a signal controlled crossing for use by pedestrians and cyclists) either side of the roundabout junction with the access to the ‘Hadden Hill’ retail park,

iii. Four new bus stop clearways, with ‘No stopping except local buses’ restrictions,

iv. New sections of segregated foot/cycleway (5 metres wide) on the North side,

v. New section of shared foot/cycleway (3 metres wide) on the south side

b) A4130 Abingdon Road:

i. Two new Toucan crossings (a signal controlled crossing for use by pedestrians and cyclists) either side of the junction with Tamar Way,

ii. Two new bus stop clearways, with ‘No stopping except local buses’ restrictions,

iii. New section of segregated foot/cycleway (5 metres wide) on the East side, and

iv. New section of shared foot/cycleway (3 metres wide) on the west side, south of Tamar Way.

Cabinet Member: Transport

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/050 

Non-Key Decision 

Contact: Julian Richardson, Senior Engineer – Road Agreements (Julian.Richardson@oxfordshire.gov.uk)  

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDT10). 

Requirement as part of the Botley Bridge Scheme to introduce a TRO for height restrictions with exemptions for buses at a certain height and also includes amendments to parking restrictions.

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

Approve the following:

(a)           Remove in its entirety the existing shared-use (Permit Holders or 2 hrs Limited Waiting, Mon-Sat, 8am-6.30pm) parking bay on the western side of Cripley Road, as advertised.

(b)           Retain the initial 7.5 metres of the existing ‘Permit Holders Only’ parking bay on the western side of Cripley Road to the north, as amended from advertised.

(c)           Introduction of a new 4.4m (14ft 6in) maximum height restriction to cover that area of Botley Road beneath the rail bridges, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted that the proposals were required in connection with the reopening of Botley Road and the replacement railway bridge. Officers advised that the revised bridge height would permit the passage of standard double-decker buses and support future operation of public transport services.

The Chair acknowledged concerns raised regarding the loss of a small number of parking spaces on Cripley Road but welcomed officers' recommendation to retain a section of permit-holder parking following feedback received through the consultation process. The Chair noted that future parking pressures could be considered through a Controlled Parking Zone review.

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

RESOLVED to:

a) Remove in its entirety the existing shared-use (Permit Holders or 2 hrs Limited Waiting, Mon-Sat, 8am 6.30pm) parking bay on the western side of Cripley Road, as advertised.

b) Retain the initial 7.5 metres of the existing ‘Permit Holders Only’ parking bay on the western side of Cripley Road to the north, as amended from advertised.

c) Introduction of a new 4.4m (14ft 6in) maximum height restriction to cover that area of Botley Road beneath the rail bridges, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/117 

Non-Key Decision

Contact: Clever Safurawu, Engineer – Highway Agreements South (Clever.Safurawu@oxfordshire.gov.uk)  

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDT11). 

Required as part of planning application and section 278 agreement to maintain safety along Manor Road. Precedent set with existing double yellow lines in place, with proposals being an extension.

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the extension of the existing ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ parking restriction (double yellow lines) on the A338 Manor Road in Wantage, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted that the proposal arose from redevelopment of the football club facilities and sought to ensure safe visibility and access at junctions close to the site. The Chair noted the support for the proposal in the consultation.

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

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the extension of the existing ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ parking restriction (double yellow lines) on the A338 Manor Road in Wantage, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport  

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/091 

Non-Key Decision 

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

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDT12). 

Proposed 20mph speed limit being promoted under the Council’s Vision Zero policies.

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on the unnamed road running through Godington (near Bicester), as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted that the proposal followed a request from the Parish Meeting and related to a small settlement where the currently applicable national speed limit was considered inappropriate. The Chair considered that a 20mph limit would better reflect the character of the village and support road safety.

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

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on the unnamed road running through Godington (near Bicester), as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport 

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/090 

Non-Key Decision

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

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDT13). 

20mph speed limit being promoted as part of the Council’s Vision Zero policies.

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a 20mph speed limit within Widford (near Swinbrook), as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted the support for the proposal from the Parish Council and observed that the scheme would complement the existing 20mph limit in nearby Swinbrook.

The Chair considered that the proposal was consistent with the Council’s Vision Zero objectives

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

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a 20mph speed limit within Widford (near Swinbrook), as advertised.