Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllr Constance and from Cllr Enright.  Cllr Simpson attended as a substitute for Cllr Constance and it was noted that he would be joining the Committee on a permanent basis once it had been notified to Council.  Cllr Pressel attended as a substitute for Cllr Enright.

Cllr Walker was welcomed as a new member of the Committee.

There were none.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 06 December 2023                  (PLOSC3) and to receive information arising from them.

The Committee is recommended to AGREE the minutes as a true and accurate record having raised any necessary amendments.

The Committee resolved to AGREE the minutes of the meeting of 06 December 2024 as a true and accurate record.

It was requested that an update be provided to the Committee on the status of the Castle Quay library and the Council’s involvement.

Members of the public who wish to speak at this meeting can attend the meeting in person or ‘virtually’ through an online connection. To facilitate ‘hybrid’ meetings we are asking that requests to speak are submitted by no later than 9.00 a.m. four working days before the meeting, i.e., 9.00 a.m. on Thursday 01 February 2024. Requests to speak should be sent to scrutiny@oxfordshire.gov.uk   

If you are speaking ‘virtually’, you may submit a written statement of your presentation to ensure that, if the technology fails, your views can still be taken into account. A written copy of your statement can be provided no later than 9.00 a.m. two working days before the meeting. Written submissions should be no longer than one A4 sheet.

John Center, a resident of Littlemore, addressed the Committee on the impact of the Council’s policies on the vulnerable.

Three speakers spoke specifically to the Vision Zero item.

Danny Yee, of Oxfordshire Liveable Streets, raised a number of concerns about particular junctions.

Robin Tucker, of the Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel, spoke to the importance of partnership working.

Alison Hill, of Cyclox, expressed concerns that the objectives of the Vision Zero strategy were not SMART.

The Committee requested an update report on Vision Zero.  Cllr Andrew Gant, Cabinet member for Highways Management, has been invited to present the report.  Bill Cotton, Corporate Director for Environment and Place, and Paul Fermer, Director of Highways and Operations, have also been invited to attend to speak to the report and to answer the Committee’s questions. 

The report will be published on 31 January 2024 to coincide with the launch of the public consultation on the draft Vision Zero Strategy and Action Plan.

Please note that the consultation closes on 10 March 2024 and not, as said in paragraph 3 of the report, on 27 February.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, attended to present the report on the Vision Zero Strategy and Action Plan which were out for public consultation.  Bill Cotton, Corporate Director of Environment and Place, Caroline Coyne, Programme Manager, Anthony Kirkwood, Team Leader (Vision Zero), and Andrew Ford, Road Safety Education Team Manager at Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service. Cllr Damian Haywood attended as Chair of the Vision Zero cycle group.

Cllr Gant introduced the Vision Zero policy describing it as part of an overarching vision and strategy for a place that works better for everybody and is an important policy in managing an increasing busy road network. As evidence of a wider vision, the Programme Manager raised other road safety investments such as the Road Safety and Accessibility fund.

The Vision Zero policy had been adopted in the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan under policy 15 and was an enabling piece of policy for the county’s active travel ambitions.

Following the presentation of the report, there was a desire to scrutinise the Thames Valley Police as a response to queries and concerns members of the public raised with the Vision Zero policy. There was a welcomeness to hear from other local sources with particular interest or knowledge of the issues being addressed.

Cllr Gant addressed the importance within the policy of reducing speed limits, particularly to evidence showing a 30% lower mortality rate to those being hit at 20mph compared to 30mph.

The viability of enforcement of 20mph speed limits, especially in rural areas, was considered with the potential that greater educating and licensing regulations would have greater impact on driver speed awareness. The Road Safety Education Team Manager described the various educational road safety projects of the Fire & Rescue service, and welcomed the increased support for these projects, especially from a marketing standpoint, from the Vision Zero policy. Age and experience of drivers were suggested as key contributors to road incidents. Mr Ford spoke to potential legislative works for a graduate licence for younger drivers, and the potential of retaking assessments for older drivers. The influence and importance of driver education was again highlighted.

In light of Safer Speeds action 4 (SS4), a review of all speed limits across Oxfordshire, the Committee sought further information on next steps and whether there was a specific evidence base requirement to change a speed limit. The Committee was informed that the Council had powers over non-national highway roads, allowing a process for officers to assess the justification and judgement for a change in speed limit. Each 20mph zone and scheme was planned bespoke in consultation with local communities. The delivery of these schemes was under constant review to ensure smooth implementation. Considerations included the nature of the road, its connectivity, and the view of the police that the speed limit was self-enforceable by a driver understanding the road. Beyond simply considering a speed limit change to make a road safer and fit for purpose, other elements would be considered such as signage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5/24

The Committee is recommended to NOTE the action and recommendation tracker.

Having reviewed the progress of actions and recommendations the Committee NOTED the action and recommendations tracker.

The Committee is recommended to NOTE the Forward Plan and to identify any items it may wish to place on its work programmage.

The Committee resolved to NOTE the Cabinet forward plan.