Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/083

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

Report by Director of Community Operations (Interim) (CMDE9).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 20mph speed limit within Charlbury and extend the existing 30mph speed limit on the B4022 Banbury Hill put forward by Charlbury Town Council.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the 20mph speed limit within Charlbury and extension of the existing 30mph speed limit on the B4022 Banbury Hill as advertised.

Approved

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE8) responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 20mph speed limit within Charlbury and extend an existing 30mph speed limit on the B4022 Banbury Hill put forward by Charlbury Town Council.

Hans Eriksson a resident of Spelsbury Road, Charlbury speaking in support of the scheme asked for consideration to be given to lowering or extending the 20 mph limit along the Spelsbury Road, which had 10 dwellings and experienced high levels of traffic with more than ½ exceeding the limit and some travelling in excess of 70mph. 

Thanking officers for their work on this scheme which she supported Councillor Liz Leffman also recognised the concerns expressed by some respondents that the restricted area did not extend far enough. She understood the concerns expressed by Thames Valley police that such a move had the potential for those limits to be regarded as unrealistic which could, therefore, lead to them not being respected but it was important to consider such an extension not least because of the various amenities on the outskirts of the town including schools and as Charlbury had an active speedwatch group who would actively monitor the situation she felt confident that such a move would be successful. Charlbury was also susceptible to rat running by HGVs and a 20 mph zone which appeared on satnavs might prevent that.

Mr Kirkwood advised that since the report had been published a further 50 responses had been received in support, 5 objecting and 2 neither in support or objecting.

Recognising that these proposals had been funded by Charlbury Town Council and S106 funding the Cabinet Member advised that any further extension to the restriction would also need similar funding either by raising a precept or local initiative and suggested to Mr Eriksson that that could be a way forward for residents of Spelsbury Road. Regarding concerns about restrictions not being respected she advised that Henley-on-Thames had introduced a similar 20mph zonal restriction and although relying primarily on indicative signing motorists seemed to take notice which was to be welcomed even if enforcement wasn’t always guaranteed.

Therefore, having regard to the information in the report along with the representations made to her at the meeting the Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed her decision as follows:

to approve the 20mph speed limit within Charlbury and extension of the existing 30mph speed limit on the B4022 Banbury Hill as advertised.

Signed………………………………………..

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing………………………………