Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2009/103

Contact: Mike Collins, Principal Engineer (01865 815877)

10.05 am

Report by Head of Transport (TDC6)

The Committee considered a review of speed limits on A and B roads in accordance with Department for Transport advice and recommendations of the County Speed Reference Group.

Andy Smith called for introduction of a 40 limit on the B4022 and referred to the high accident record, which had included a number of fatalities. The road profile exacerbated the dangers with a number of long straights, blind bends and dips with many accesses to adjacent businesses and residential properties.  There was strong local support for a 40 mph restriction.

Paul Bennett supported calls for a reduction to 40 mph on the B4022.  There had been a total of 147 accidents in the last 10 years including 8 fatalities the last of which had unfortunately involved his wife.  He said that the Committee were in a position to do something to help save lives and avoid the devastating caused by these accidents.

Harry St John called for a 40 mph restriction along the whole length of the A4095 from the end of Long Hanborough through to Common Road, North Leigh.  Doing so would achieve a consistent limit throughout and recognise overwhelming local support for such a reduction.

Mr Law supported the 50 mph restriction proposed for the A4183 between Boars Hill and Abingdon but felt a 40 mph restriction would be more appropriate and that urgent consideration should be given to a further reduction.

Councillor Fatemian endorsed the comments made by Mr Law.  Local parish Councils supported a 40 mph restriction which represented a sensible compromise and presented a consistent restriction throughout the length of road.

Graham Jones supported an extension of the 40 mph restriction on A40 Elsfield Way between Sunderland Avenue/Cutteslowe roundabout to beyond the pedestrian bridge to cover access to Cutteslowe Park.

Councillor Fooks endorsed the comments for a 40 mph restriction on A40 beyond the Cutteslowe Park access along with increased enforcement and signing.

Councillor Goddard also endorsed calls to extend the 40 mph restriction on A40 past the Cutteslowe Park access.  It was not feasible to expect provision of a deceleration lane into the park so introduction of a lower limit would represent a sensible and acceptable compromise.

Councillor Lindsay-Gale supported calls for a lower limit to at least 40 mph on the B4015 between Clifton Hampden and Chiselhampton but would prefer a 30 mph restriction due to the road profile which included some dangerous bends which, with vehicle speed, had contributed to a high and constant accident record.

Councillor David Turner called for retention of the current 30 mph restriction on A329 at Milton Common.  The accident record at this spot had reduced considerably following the reduction to 30 but if raised to 40 mph could, in his opinion, see a return to previously unacceptable limits.  He endorsed  comments by Councillor Lindsay-Gale regarding the B4015 and supported retention of the current 30 restriction on A40 NE of A329, proposals for A418 at Tiddington and B480 between Stadhampton and Watlington.

The Committee felt on the balance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4