Agenda and minutes

The following requests to address the meeting had been agreed:

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/165

Contact: Jim Daughton, Highways & Transport Service Manager Tel: (01865) 815083

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Commercial & Delivery (CMDE4).

The Cabinet Member considered objections received to a formal consultation on proposals to introduce new parking restrictions in parts of Murdock Road, Bicester.

County Councillors Les Sibley (Bicester West) and Lawrie Stratford (Bicester North) had both expressed support for the scheme.

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him the Cabinet Member confirmed his decision as follows:

To approve the proposed parking restrictions for Murdock Road, Bicester as advertised and amended as described in the report CMDE4.

Signed………………………………….

Date of signing………………………..

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/071

Contact: Jim Daughton, Highways & Transport Manger Tel: (01865) 815083

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy - Commercial & Delivery (CMDE5).

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE5) objections to a formal consultation on proposals to introduce new parking restrictions in Exeter Road, Kidlington and results from an initial consultation on similar proposals in the eastern service road adjacent to A4260 Oxford Road in Gosford.

Mr Swartz referred to agreement amongst all authorities and road safety experts that double yellow lines were required for driving safety purposes, and it was now a matter of line.  The original proposal had been for 55 metres, which was now being scaled down to as few as 20 metres, apparently to address objectors who have been subjected to an intensive/misleading door-to-door dialogue/petition orchestrated by non-Exeter Road residents in an effort to preserve what they consider to be their own little parking sanctuary.  However, the "real situation on the ground" was that double yellow lines (of appropriate length) were very much in the best interests of all Exeter Road residents. He referred to similar situation at the Home Close intersection to where double yellow lines, approximately 26 metres, had been installed several years ago, for the same driving safety reasons, with complete success and no parking problems for residents.  It is his contention for driving safety reasons that double yellow lines for the Exeter Road intersection needed to be at least 35 metres in length as a minimum because, unlike the Home Close cul-de-sac which no longer had high speed through traffic, the Exeter Road drivers would confront higher speed/through traffic oncoming vehicles turning into Exeter Road.  This situation required 2-way vehicle clearance road width for a distance of at least 35 metres and preferably the 55 metres proposed to minimise head-on collision risk.  Such a move would not as had been suggested parking problems for all Exeter Road residents as daily counts (day and night) during the past 12 months had shown at least 25 open on-street spaces closer to residences than the proposed double yellow lines area, while the latter would only displace parking space for approximately four vehicles.

Mr Tole confirmed there had been a great deal of opposition to the original proposal for 55 metres.  The situation was different to that of Home Close and he considered that the revised proposal as set out in Annex 3 would be sufficient to meet road safety concerns and needs of residents.

The Cabinet Member confirmed he had visited the site on the previous Friday afternoon and had not seen any great problems in this area.  He acknowledged Mr Swartz’s comments but having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him and the support expressed by local councillors he confirmed his decision as follows:

(a)               to approve the proposed parking restrictions for Exeter Road, Kidlington as advertised and amended as described in the report (CMDE5);

(b)               not proceed with the proposed parking restrictions on the eastern service road of Oxford Road, Gosford but to carry out further consultations.

Signed……………………………………..

Date of signing……………………………

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/163

Contact: Jim Daughton, Highways & Transport Service Manager Tel: (01865) 815083

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Commercial & Delivery (CMDE6).

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered objections and other comments to a formal consultation on a proposed extension of the 30 mph on Faringdon Road/Spring Hill to replace the full length of the 40 mph limit currently in place.

Mr Tole confirmed that the view of the police was that the proposal could weaken the existing 30 limit.  However, evidence in other places had not borne out that view and officers felt that drivers in the main respected signing.

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him, the comments set out above and the support expressed by local councillors he confirmed his decision as follows:

To approve the extension to the 30mph speed limit as advertised.

Signed……………………………….

Date of signing………………………

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/161

Contact: Jim Daughton, Highways & Transport Service Manager Tel: (01865) 815083

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Commercial & Delivery (CMDE7).

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered objections and comments received to a formal consultation and advertisement of a flat top road hump on Townsend Road, Shrivenham and speed cushion on Station Road, Shrivenham.

Mr Tole confirmed that was a reduced scheme and although there remained some concern locally officers felt this was the best way forward and a reasonable compromise.

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him, the comments set out above and the support expressed by the local councillor the Cabinet Member confirmed his decision as follows:

to approve the traffic calming scheme as advertised.

Signed…………………………………

Date of signing……………………….

 Agreed

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/162

Contact: Jim Daughton, Highways & Transport Service Manager Tel: (01865) 815083

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Commercial & Delivery (CMDE8).

The Cabinet Member for the Environment considered representations received to a formal consultation on proposals to introduce new parking restrictions along a short stretch of road adjacent to A44 Oxford Road in Enstone.

Mr Grainger asked that the scheme be deferred and stated that the law was clear concerning changes which could only be imposed if they maintained reasonable access.  He considered the process had been rushed through with no evidence to show the scheme was required.  The proposals seemed excessive and were the wrong side to protect access to the shop, which in his view only needed 1 or 2 spaces, yet there was no alternative off street parking for a number of residents.  The consultation process had been one sided and in his view flawed with some residents only notified of the specific proposal in November 2013, even though discussions had been ongoing for some considerable time.  The report itself was biased insofar as it did not adequately reflect the opinion of all parties concerned and the summary of responses received was not impartial.  He maintained access to the shop could be secured without adversely affecting parking by residents and a decision needed to be deferred to allow an independent traffic survey to be carried out.

Mr Willoughby said that as he had lived in the cottage overlooking the store for some years he was ideally placed to gauge the situation.  He confirmed that there were several places always available for visitors to the shop and he supported those neighbours who would be affected by a lack of provision for residents parking.  The proposals had created conflict and he felt that there would inevitably be further confrontation. Councillor Ian Hudspeth the previous local councillor had admitted that parked vehicles had caused problems but had decided no changes were needed so he wondered what had changed.  This represented a waste of money which could be better used elsewhere. He endorsed the comments made by the previous speaker and all the objections to the scheme.

Lisa Thompson lived in a property off the village green which could only be reached by foot along with 4 other houses which had no alternative parking other than on the opposite side of the A44 which was not a viable alternative. The proposal discriminated against people who worked at or who were at home and those who did not work conventional office hours. It seemed more sensible to restrict parking on the shop side.  It would also restrict trade vehicles visiting adjoining residential properties. The emergency services had not considered that there was a problem here but there was the possibility that spaces could be taken up by people parking and commuting to Oxford.  The scheme had been politically and commercially motivated, offered no support to residents as it reduced the already limited parking and did not address safety issues. It was clearly not the right way to deal with the issues concerned.

Mr Kempson the shopkeeper wholeheartedly supported the proposals.

Mr Holmes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6/14

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/119

Contact: Steve Smith, Highways & Transport Manger Tel: (01865) 810435

The following is a link to the full document www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/rowip

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy - Commercial & Delivery (CMDE9).

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered the detail of a draft Countryside Access Management Plan for public consultation prior to submitting a finalised draft to Cabinet later in 2014.

Presenting the report Mr Smith asked the Cabinet Member to agree a revised title for the Plan to “Rights of Way Management Plan” to better reflect its content.

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him the Cabinet Member confirmed his decision as follows:

(a)          approve the proposed change to the title of the document from Rights of Way Improvement Plan to Countryside Access Management Plan;

(b)          agree to the submission of the draft Plan for public consultation with a view to submitting a finalised document to Cabinet in early summer 2014;

(c)           agree to extend the lifespan of the current Rights of Way Improvement Plan until such time that approval for the finalised Countryside Access Management Plan document by Cabinet has been confirmed.

 Signed…………………………………

Date of signing……………………….