Agenda item

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/195 

Non-Key Decision

Contact: Nick Howdle-Smith, Project Manager (Nick.Howdle-Smith@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

 

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTM). 

 

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

 

a)    Endorse the proposed scheme design for Witney High Street & Market Square shown in Annex 1-3;

 

b)    Delegate to the Director of Environment and Highways, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport Management, any design changes necessary to support management of scheme cost;

 

c)    Approve the following order and traffic features required to deliver the scheme:

 

i)      the introduction of new ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) – revoking all existing loading restrictions – on High Street & Market Square, as advertised.

 

ii)    the removal of the existing 3-hour time limited ‘Disabled Persons Parking Places’ (DPPPs), and the introduction of new unrestricted DPPP bays on High Street & Market Square, as advertised.

 

iii)  the construction of a new Zebra crossing on Welch Way, as advertised.

 

iv)  the introduction of new ‘No Stopping Except Buses’ (at all times) bays on High Street & Market Square, as advertised.

 

v)    the introduction of a new ‘No stopping except local buses 7am–5pm Mon to Fri & 7am-2pm Sat. Taxis 5pm-7am Monday to Friday, 2pm-Midnight Saturday and all-day Sunday’ bay on Market Square, as advertised.

 

vi)  the introduction of a new ‘No Stopping Except Taxis’ (at all times) bay on Market Square, as advertised.

 

vii)  the construction of a new Traffic calming features (Flat top road humps) on High Street, as advertised.

 

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

 

Officers noted that this scheme was slightly different to other market town schemes as it was initially shut during the pandemic through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), with grant funding to support that; but lessons could be learnt for future schemes across Oxfordshire, whilst noting the limited funding that was available.

 

Officers confirmed that the junction between the High Street and Welch Way was amended following road safety audits to alley fears over safety issues. If the scheme was approved, following construction, the final road safety audit stage would take place and to assess issues if they arose.

 

Following a question from the Chair regarding disruption during the construction phase of the project if approved, officers confirmed that temporary taxi ranks would be in place outside The Angel Inn. It was noted that space was constrained near where temporary bus shelters by bus stops had been requested, but that officers would explore solutions regarding the bus stops shelters and signage.

 

The Chair stated that the reduction in road width was so there could be increased space for pedestrians, shoppers, wheelchair users to use and spend time in the area.

 

The Chair noted concerns raised regarding enforcement and stated that the Council was looking to make enforceability, for example, on parking, easier and noted that ANPR would be used to enforce on this scheme specifically.

 

Officers noted that the scheme did incorporate an extra bus stop on the High Street, but that the space would be shared use with taxis.

 

The Chair noted concerns on parking enforcement raised by West Oxfordshire District Council. Officers confirmed that more flexible loading arrangements for delivery drivers were put to the formal consultation to try and address this issue.

 

The Chair noted concerns from Unlimited Oxfordshire regarding the provision of disabled persons parking places (DPPP’s), but officers noted that DPPP’s already existed and changes as a result of the scheme would be monitored and could be amended if required.

 

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

 

RESOLVED to:

 

a) Endorse the proposed scheme design for Witney High Street & Market Square shown in Annex 1-3;

 

b) Delegate to the Director of Environment and Highways, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport Management, any design changes necessary to support management of scheme cost;

 

c) Approve the following order and traffic features required to deliver the scheme:

 

i)               the introduction of new ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) – revoking all existing loading restrictions – on High Street & Market Square, as advertised.

 

ii)             the removal of the existing 3-hour time limited ‘Disabled Persons Parking Places’ (DPPPs), and the introduction of new unrestricted DPPP bays on High Street & Market Square, as advertised.

 

iii)           the construction of a new Zebra crossing on Welch Way, as advertised.

 

iv)           the introduction of new ‘No Stopping Except Buses’ (at all times) bays on High Street & Market Square, as advertised.

 

v)             the introduction of a new ‘No stopping except local buses 7am 5pm Mon to Fri & 7am-2pm Sat. Taxis 5pm-7am Monday to Friday, 2pm-Midnight Saturday and all-day Sunday’ bay on Market Square, as advertised.

 

vi)           the introduction of a new ‘No Stopping Except Taxis’ (at all times) bay on Market Square, as advertised.

 

vii)          the construction of a new Traffic calming features (Flat top road humps) on High Street, as advertised.