Agenda item

Members of the public who wish to speak on an item on the agenda at this meeting, or present a petition, can attend the meeting in person or ‘virtually’ through an online connection.

Requests to present a petition must be submitted no later than 9am ten working days before the meeting.

Requests to speak must be submitted no later than 9am three working days before the meeting.

Requests should be submitted to committeesdemocraticservices@oxfordshire.gov.uk

If you are speaking ‘virtually’, you may submit a written statement of your presentation to ensure that if the technology fails, then your views can still be taken into account. A written copy of your statement can be provided no later than 9am on the day of the meeting. Written submissions should be no longer than 1 A4 sheet.

Thame and Haddenham Greenway

Sarah Green presented a petition calling for a greenway to link the communities of Thame and Haddenham.  Currently the only safe option was for people to use their cars.  The petition gained nearly 4000 signatures, with around 1000 from Oxfordshire alone.  The route crosses local authorities and there were colleagues campaigning on the same issue with Buckinghamshire Council. 

Councillor Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, responded that the Council was continuing to work in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council to investigate an active travel link connecting Haddenham and Thame.  Both authorities have committed funding and resources towards the development of the scheme and are working towards conducting public engagement in 2026.  The petition will be referred to the Director of Economy and Place for follow up.

Broughton Road, Banbury

Wendy Wilkinson presented a petition requesting speed restrictions and a safe pedestrian crossing on the north end of Broughton Road.  Council was informed that Wendy Wilkinson had been hit by a car and sustained a broken neck and ankle.  The petition was signed by 70 residents of Broughton Road. It was felt that residents in the estates off that road would support the request.

Councillor Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, responded that whilst funding was available through the Vision Zero road safety programme, the financial allocation for the forthcoming financial year 2026-27 had already been allocated to other projects. However, Councillor Gant advised, that the Council will consider measures for Broughton Road, including a pedestrian crossing, for inclusion in a future programme and also as part of the planned monitoring of the 20 mile an hour programme.  The petition will be referred to the Director of Environment and Highways for follow-up.

Roundham Crossing, Kidlington

Lisa Smith presented a petition to save Roundham Crossing in Kidlington from the closure requested in the developer's agreement for the PR8 site at Begbrook Science Park.  It was stated that the crossing provides a vital link for residents in Kidlington, with access to green space and connection to important local routes, including the Oxford Canal towpath, the Begbrook Bridleway, and the new footpath and cycleway.  The petition, with 638 signatures, called on Oxfordshire County Council, as a statutory consultee on transport, to oppose the closure of the crossing.

Councillor Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, confirmed that East-West connectivity in the Kidlington area was a key consideration in the County Council's place planning.  At the same time, safety concerns were likely to lead to the crossing itself being closed to achieve the objective of more frequent train services across the Oxfordshire network.  Councillor Roberts added that Oxfordshire County Council will look at what is feasible to mitigate a closure and work with local Councillors, the community, Network Rail and other stakeholders in an attempt to identify a solution.  This petition will be referred to the Director of Economy and Place for follow-up.

Travel pass limit

Nathan Stanton presented a petition requesting the removal of the 9am limit on free travel for pass holders with learning and other disabilities.  Nathan Stanton advised that people should not have to rearrange key job or health appointments or travel to their day centres to avoid travelling before 9am.  The government's own inclusive transport strategy states that disabled people should have the same access to opportunities as everyone else. Oxfordshire should be leading the way in making that a reality.  The petition had 200 signatures, with around 100 from Oxfordshire postcodes.

Councillor Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, responded that the County Council currently spends £10.5 million supporting the concessionary travel scheme per year. An extension to the time period of concessionary travel would result in an increase in the level of reimbursement paid to bus operators. This would lead to costs in excess of the current budget for the scheme. The matter will be referred to the Director of Environment and Highways to consider the potential policy and budgetary impact of such a change should such funding become available from central government or another suitable source.