Decision details

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

Officers confirmed that the ANPR cameras capture footage from all vehicles that travel through, but as it could not be clear if Police vehicles were on patrol or attending an incident, agreement had been in place to delete records and the footage.

The Chair referred to a response relating to the dilution of emergency exemptions and asked why the Police requested this amendment. Officers confirmed that this scheme was intended to be consistent with other cameras in the area.

Officers reiterated their view that it was reasonable to allow police vehicles to pass through the bus gates when they are on patrol to allow for monitoring of incidents as well as when they are responding to emergencies. The Chair noted this was comparable to other areas in Oxfordshire and understood the operational reasons for doing so.

The Chair asked why this was not made clear in the initial order. Officers noted there were concerns at the time of the initial decision over Police use of the bus gate. Officers also confirmed that, as with any scheme, this would be, if approved, kept under review.

The Chair asked for clarification as to whether it included unmarked police vehicles. Officers clarified that it would be for any police vehicle.

The Chair asked if there were concerns that this would significantly increase traffic through the bus gate. Officers were not aware of any concerns but if concerns did arise from the bus operators or others, the scheme could be reviewed if needed.

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

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the administrative amendment to clarify/confirm that “Police Vehicles on Patrol” are exempt from the Bus Lane/Gate restriction at Larch Drive/Diamond Drive in Didcot, as advertised.