Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2018/065

Contact: Hugh Potter, Team Leader – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Operations (CMDE5).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the existing 30mph limit in Chipping Norton town centre put forward by Chipping Norton Town Council who are funding the proposals in response to concerns over road safety and the wider adverse impact of traffic on residents.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve proposals to introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the existing 30mph limit in Chipping Norton town centre as advertised.

Approved

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE5) responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the existing 30mph limit in Chipping Norton town centre put forward by Chipping Norton Town Council who were also funding the proposals in response to concerns over road safety and the wider adverse impact of traffic on residents.

James Kitcher-Jones spoke on behalf of Chipping Norton Town Council who  saw the scheme to slow down traffic as being of paramount importance in addressing pressures in the town arising from the number of narrow pavements. That pressure could only increase as a result of the projected increase in housing. Slowing down traffic would also improve driver reaction time and in addition to safety benefits the Town Council also saw a number of economic benefits which could result from the scheme.

The Cabinet Member noted the support of County Councillor Hilary Hibbert-Biles and her intention to sponsor 20 mph flashing signs outside schools and that officers were working with her to prepare a detailed estimate for that provision.

Mr Kirkwood referred to 5 late responses to the consultation all in support and

confirmed that if finance became available then the scheme could potentially be extended.  With regard to the concerns lodged by Thames Valley police regarding a 20 limit on a strategic road the stretch of the A44 in question was subject to modest flows and the proposal complied with Department for transport policy. 

Regarding the comment from West Oxfordshire concerning air quality it was not considered that the proposed scheme would prejudice present levels which could be managed within current limits.

Having regard to the information set out in the report before her together with the representations made to her at the meeting including the response from officers to the objection from Thames Valley police and the comment from West Oxfordshire District Council regarding air quality the Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed her decision as follows:

to approve proposals to introduce a 20mph speed limit in place of the existing 30mph limit in Chipping Norton town centre as advertised.

Signed…………………………………

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing……………………….