Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/205

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Developer Schemes Coordinator and 20 Limits Project Manager.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 19).

To consider proposed 20mph speed limits.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve the proposals as advertised.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in East Hanney.

The Chair invited Cllr Povolotsky to address the meeting.

The Chair shared Cllr Povolotsky’s concern regarding parents parking outside the school in the area instead of using the village hall carpark which was made available to them. This issue was raised in a response to the consultation in which safety during school drop off was described as “terrible”.

The Chair agreed that ongoing discussions with Speedwatch and bus companies was key.

The Chair addressed respondent six, a local resident, reiterating his commitment to Vision Zero.

The objection and concerns raised by bus companies reflected their view that reduced speed limits compromise service viability and may lead to modal shift away from buses. Officers felt that there were no immediate threats to services but recent discussions with Oxford Bus Company regarding proposals for reduced limits in Abingdon suggested their concerns over the A338 proposals should be considered seriously. The Chair thanked bus companies for their responses.

The Chair reassured the meeting that the interface between the 20mph policy and the objectives and priorities of bus companies were very carefully considered. The Chair approved of officers’ judgements with regard to this scheme and felt that the proposals were appropriate and workable.  Partners were encouraged to keep in touch regarding how the scheme performed in practice.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposals as advertised.