Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/016

Contact: James Wright , Technical Officer Traffic and Road Safety Team.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 8).

To consider proposed zebra crossing at the B4022 The Slade and an extension of the 30mph speed limit on the B4026 Spelsbury Road.

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

a)    The extension of the existing 30mph speed limit on the B4026 Pound Hill/Charlbury Road northwards to beyond the access to the Camping & Caravan site, and

b)    a zebra crossing (a crossing for pedestrian use only) on The Slade, in the vicinity of the Charlbury Primary School.

The report presented responses received to a statutory consultation on traffic proposals comprising an extension of the existing 30mph speed limit on the B4026 Pound Hill/Charlbury Road northwards to beyond the access to the camping and caravan site, replacing the existing 40mph speed limit in the process. This aspect superseded the proposed extended limit, which was previously consulted on in May 2022, and sought to improve road safety for vulnerable road-users, specifically the pedestrians walking to and from the camp site, bringing forward changes suggested over some years by local residents in the town. Additionally, a zebra crossing was also proposed for The Slade, which sought to improve road safety by assisting vulnerable pedestrians cross the carriageway in the vicinity of the Charlbury Primary School.

The Chair noted and addressed responses to the consultation.

Thames Valley Police felt that changes to the highway, for example through narrowing and providing vertical traffic calming or realigning the road, may be required to encourage lower speeds in addition to any change in the speed limit. The Cabinet Member queried whether those suggestions had been considered by officers to which the reply was affirmative.

The objections received stated that the proposed changes were unnecessary – citing a lack of need, potential impacts on journey times, the low number of accidents in the area, and the increase presence of road signage.

The Chair strongly believed in the 20mph policy improving road safety for residents. The proposal was aimed to make the roads safer, encourage residents and visitors to the nearby campsite to, to walk or cycle, and reduce noise pollution.

The zebra crossing would facilitate safer crossing for young pedestrians attending the local school and vulnerable road users and signing and other measures would be sympathetically applied.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED as advertised the following proposals:

a)    The extension of the existing 30mph speed limit on the B4026 Pound Hill/Charlbury Road northwards to beyond the access to the Camping & Caravan site, and

b)    a zebra crossing (a crossing for pedestrian use only) on The Slade, in the vicinity of the Charlbury Primary School.