Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/113

Contact: Aron Wisdom, Programme Lead – Central

Aron.wisdom@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Director of Environment and Highways

Network Rail’s ongoing closure of Botley Road at Oxford station means Cabinet’s November 2022 decision to introduce six trial traffic filters in Oxford cannot be implemented until at least August 2026.

Officers have reviewed a range of potential options to mitigate this situation, and the recommended options to pursue (subject to consultation and development) have been identified.  This report outlines the background, the need for intervention, and the options considered.

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)           Authorise officers to carry out a public consultation on a proposal to temporarily implement a congestion charging scheme using the systems and infrastructure developed for the traffic filter trial, to mitigate the impact of the delay of the traffic filter trial while Botley Road remains closed.

b)           Authorise officers to develop the minor schemes as outlined in paragraph 13 (e) to (i)

c)           Request officers to develop an ‘income spending strategy’ which will focus the net surplus income on reducing the costs of bus travel, including potential park and ride incentives, in accordance with relevant legislation.

Recommendations approved.

Network Rail’s ongoing closure of Botley Road at Oxford station meant that Cabinet’s November 2022 decision to introduce six trial traffic filters in Oxford could not be implemented until at least August 2026.

Officers had reviewed a range of potential options to mitigate this situation, and the recommended options to pursue (subject to consultation and development) had been identified.  Cabinet received a report outlining the background, the need for intervention, and the options considered.

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Cabinet was addressed by a number of members of the public and councillors on the proposals.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, presented the report. He outlined, in detail, the reasons for the proposed temporary implementation of a congestion charging scheme using the infrastructure developed for the traffic filter trial.

During discussion, the following points were made:-

·       the need to reduce congestion and improve bus services was emphasised

·       Members highlighted the historical context and previous support for traffic reduction measures in Oxford.

The Chair highlighted the lack of any credible alternative proposals and the need to tackle congestion in Oxford.

Councillor Gant moved and Councillor Bearder seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:-

a)    authorise officers to carry out a public consultation on a proposal to temporarily implement a congestion charging scheme using the systems and infrastructure developed for the traffic filter trial, to mitigate the impact of the delay of the traffic filter trial while Botley Road remains closed.

b)    authorise officers to develop the minor schemes as outlined in paragraph 13 (e) to (i)

c)    request officers to develop an ‘income spending strategy’ which will focus the net surplus income on reducing the costs of bus travel, including potential park and ride incentives, in accordance with relevant legislation.