Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/364

Contact: Susannah Wintersgill, Director of Public Affairs, Policy and Partnerships

Report by Director of Public Affairs, Policy and Partnerships

(CA9).

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Note progress being made on the citizens’ assembly, which is being held in February and March 2025;

b)    Note that the actions set out in this report respond to the motion agreed by Council on 10 December 2024.

Recommendations approved.

Cabinet had before it a report providing an update on the citizens’ assembly on future travel, transport and connectivity in Oxfordshire to be delivered by external agency MutualGain  in February and March 2025.

Following the motion agreed at Full Council on 10 December 2024 the assembly would be extended from 30 to 45 hours to enable a dedicated focus to be given, within the wider assembly, to the council’s suite of traffic management measures in central Oxfordshire, including the traffic filters trial, the workplace parking levy, and the expanded zero emissions zone.

Robin Tucker from the Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel spoke in support of the citizens' assembly on transport in Oxfordshire. He emphasized the importance of gaining input through a democratic process with better evidence and less misinformation. He expressed scepticism about the motivations behind the motion for a congestion assembly but acknowledged the need to respond to it. He highlighted the various harms caused by motor vehicles, including congestion, decarbonisation, and traffic-related injuries, and stressed the need for a comprehensive approach rather than focusing solely on congestion. He also mentioned the long history of discussions and consultations on traffic solutions in Oxfordshire, emphasising the need for decisive action to reduce traffic and improve public health.:

The Chair thanked Mr Tucker for his input and acknowledged the importance of addressing the issues raised.

Councillor Leffman moved, and Councillor Gant seconded the recommendations, and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:-

a)    Note progress being made on the citizens’ assembly, which is being held in February and March 2025;

b)    Note that the actions set out in this report respond to the motion agreed by Council on 10 December 2024.