Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/164

Contact: Eric Owens, Assistant Director Growth & Place Tel: 07799 097637/Naomi Barnes, Project Manager Tel: 07824 528681

Report by Assistant Director, Growth & Place, Communities (CMDE5).

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN’s) were proposed for Oxford in the Oxford Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) as an effective way of promoting walking and cycling, in line with Council objectives of public health, decongestion, climate change and air quality. Temple Cowley, Church Cowley and Florence Park (Cowley) were chosen as priority areas in response to residents’ complaints about traffic and to improve the cycle routes running through the neighbourhoods.

It is proposed that the Cowley LTNs will be introduced using Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs). This allows the Council and residents to assess the impacts before a decision is made regarding their permanency.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to

a.         note the responses received to the preliminary consultation on the Cowley Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

b.        approve proposals as consulted on for the introduction of traffic management measures in the Church Cowley, Temple Cowley and Florence Park areas in Oxford to create Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, including the introduction of Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders giving effect to the proposed modal filters within the LTNs, and associated waiting restrictions.

c.         approve minor changes from the consultation proposals in the light of consultation responses, namely:

             i.             To relocate the filter in Junction Road from south of Don Bosco Close to north of Salesian Gardens entry

            ii.             To permit taxis and private hire vehicles through the traffic filters which permit buses in Cornwallis Road and Bartholomew Road

Approved

Approved

Approved as amended in strikethrough text and bold italics

Note the following:

Monitor closely:

·         the impact for taxis of closures proposed on Crescent Road, Rymers Lane, Littlehay Road and Littlemore Road

·         the Mayfair Road, Littlemore Road and Littlehay Road filters

·         closure of Newman Road/Oxford Road junction

·         To bring in the School Street for St Christophers School on Temple Road at the same time as the Temple Cowley LTN

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN’s) had been proposed for Oxford in the Oxford Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) as an effective way of promoting walking and cycling, in line with Council objectives of public health, decongestion, climate change and air quality. Temple Cowley, Church Cowley and Florence Park (Cowley) had been chosen as priority areas in response to residents’ complaints about traffic and to improve the cycle routes running through the neighbourhoods. Therefore, it was proposed that the Cowley LTNs be introduced using Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs) allowing the County Council and residents to assess the impacts before a decision was made regarding permanency.

Charlie Hicks urged that the recommendation to implement the schemes be accepted as hopefully the first of many other LTNs across the city and county. He thanked County Councillor John Sanders for his work in helping to deliver the scheme and also to many local residents who had campaigned for this for over 18 months.  The case for LTNs to him was clear and very positive. Shortcutting traffic through residential streets was not inevitable and residential streets should be safe streets and a place for community and people to live and prioritising health. Zero carbon travel needed to be the easy, attractive and safe default option.  As borne out by the consultation which showed over 70% of residents in favour overall there was huge support for these proposals and he hoped that those who were sceptical now would recognise the benefits once the proposals were established. He understood the concerns regarding uncertainty over what would happen to traffic levels and whether journeys would be more difficult, especially if it meant traffic increasing on a few roads, which no-one wanted. That was why it was so important that these schemes were introduced as an experiment with all residents able to be heard when final decisions were made.

He made a number of suggestions:

1. As well as red ‘Road Closed’ signs,green ‘Road Open’ (to pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchairs, children scooting) could be placed on the planters too.

2. Signs introduced at entrances to the LTNs to let drivers know there were no longer rat runs open to them, e.g. “Rethink Your Route” signs

3. In the first few weeks, while drivers were getting used to the new filters and in order to help cars turn around safely at modal filters, perhaps council staff or volunteers at the planters could help manage any cars that needed to turn around? That would be especially helpful for the school drop off and pick up at St Christopher’s and Church Cowley St James Primary Schools

4. Involve school leaders more closely in the conversation with planning for LTNs and School Streets integrated together where possible.

5. Bring in the St Christopher’s School Street at the same time as the Temple Cowley LTN so there would be no issues at drop off/pick up times.

6. Greater clarity given on how residents could give their feedback and input over the first 6  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27