Agenda, decisions and minutes

See guidance below.

The Chair, Cllr Andrew Gant, declared an interest in respect of item 2, Questions from County Councillors, and item 5, Oxford ZEZ Pilot Scheme Amendments, as he was an employee of St Peter’s College, though not in any decision-making capacity. He had been advised by the Monitoring Officer that this did not preclude him from making a decision on item 5.

Any county councillor may, by giving notice to the Proper Officer by 9 am three working days before the meeting, ask a question on an item on the agenda.

The number of questions which may be asked by any councillor at any one meeting is limited to two (or one question with notice and a supplementary question at the meeting) and the time for questions will be limited to 30 minutes in total. As with questions at Council, any questions which remain unanswered at the end of this item will receive a written response.

Questions submitted prior to the agenda being despatched are shown below and will be the subject of a response from the appropriate Cabinet Member or such other councillor or officer as is determined by the Cabinet Member, and shall not be the subject of further debate at this meeting. Questions received after the despatch of the agenda, but before the deadline, will be shown on the Schedule of Addenda circulated at the meeting, together with any written response which is available at that time.

Two questions were received from Cllr James Fry. The questions and answers can be seen in the Addenda.

Members of the public who wish to speak on an item on the agenda at this meeting, or present a petition, can attend the meeting in person or ‘virtually’ through an online connection.

Requests to present a petition must be submitted no later than 9am ten working days before the meeting.

Requests to speak must be submitted no later than 9am three working days before the meeting.

Requests should be submitted to committeesdemocraticservices@oxfordshire.gov.uk

If you are speaking ‘virtually’, you may submit a written statement of your presentation to ensure that if the technology fails, then your views can still be taken into account. A written copy of your statement can be provided no later than 9am on the day of the meeting. Written submissions should be no longer than 1 A4 sheet

Thirteen requests to speak had been received with some speakers speaking on multiple items. The list of speakers can be seen below:

Item 5: Oxford ZEZ Pilot Scheme Amendments

-       Danny Yee

Item 6: Market Place, Wantage – Traffic Management Restrictions

-       Jason Atherton

-       Raleigh Hullock

-       John Tranter

Item 7: Proposed Shared Use Cycleway/Footway – Grove Rd, Wantage

-       John Tranter

Item 9: Proposed 40mph Speed Limit – Oxford Road, Kennington

-       Danny Yee

Item 11: B4031, Hempton – Proposed New Traffic Calming Features

-       Cllr Gareth Epps

-       Parish Cllr Helen Oldfield (Deddington PC)

-       Cara Hedges

Item 12: Thame Road, Chinnor – Proposed Waiting Restrictions

-       Parish Cllr Maggie Mackenzie (Chinnor PC)

Item 14: Proposed Parallel Crossing – Blackthorn Rd, Ambrosden

-       Danny Yee

-       Peter Barnett

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 24 June 2025 to be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 June were approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/075

Contact: Bryan Evans, Senior Transport Planner

Bryan.evans@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTM5)

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

Instruct officers to amend the ZEZ pilot charging order to:

a)    Remove the discount end date for Blue Badge holders and disabled tax class vehicles;

b)    Remove the discount end date for ZEZ businesses' vehicles;

c)    Remove the discount end date for ZEZ residents’ vehicles;

d)    Remove the end date for the hybrid taxis and hybrid private hire vehicles transitional period, and

e)    Continue the current ZEZ charges indefinitely, instead of doubling the charges in August 2025 as previously planned.

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

Officers pointed out that the intention of the ZEZ pilot scheme was to inform the development of the permanent scheme.

Officers noted that discounts for businesses, taxis, and private homes are scheduled to end by August 2025, with residents' discounts ending by August 2030. It was noted that consultation on Blue Badge holder discounts is planned.

Officers confirmed that the pilot scheme has shown a 25% reduction in motor vehicle movements and a 15% reduction in nitrogen dioxide, outperforming expectations, across the boundary of the scheme.

On the question of timing, officers confirmed that the wider ZEZ is expected to be introduced late 2027 or early 2028, if approved, following the completion of the works on the Botley Road and subsequent traffic filter scheme monitoring.

The Chair noted that the scheme reduces potential income to the County Council, taking into account the cost-of-living crisis, whilst still delivering improvements in air quality and reducing vehicle movements in the city as the scheme set out to do.

The Chair stated that the scheme still recognised the need of residents who need to use the streets, such as blue badge holders and public transport.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

Instruct officers to amend the ZEZ pilot charging order to:

a) Remove the discount end date for Blue Badge holders and disabled tax class vehicles;

b) Remove the discount end date for ZEZ businesses' vehicles;

c) Remove the discount end date for ZEZ residents’ vehicles;

d) Remove the end date for the hybrid taxis and hybrid private hire vehicles transitional period, and

e) Continue the current ZEZ charges indefinitely, instead of doubling the charges in August 2025 as previously planned.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/092

Contact: Lee Turner, Principal Officer -Traffic Schemes

(Lee.Turner@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTM6)

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the making permanent of the existing prohibition of driving & waiting measures for:

i)      the western section of Market Place (reduced from original proposal to a point 17 metres southeast of its junction with Alfred Street,

ii)    the southern section of Alfred Street (as advertised),

iii)  the northern section of Church Street (as advertised).

b)    Approve the making permanent of the removal of 30-minute time limited spaces (Mon-Sat 8am-6pm) on the west side of Alfred Street (approx. 3 spaces), and the southern side of Market Square (approx.1 space),

c)    Approve the making permanent of the relocation of two existing Disabled Persons Parking Places on the south side of Market Square further eastwards,

d)    Approve the permanent removal of existing motorcycle parking placed from the west side of Alfred Street,

e)    Approve the retention of the taxi rank on its current alignment and not to proceed with proposals to relocate spaces further eastwards to sit adjacent to a proposed ‘horseshoe’ arrangement,

f)     Approve the retention of the 30-minute time limited spaces (Mon-Sat 8am-6pm) on the southern side of Market Square (approx.2 spaces), and

g)    Approve the continuing use of temporary planters and barriers, pending further design work being undertaken by the Wantage Market Place Regeneration (2025) project for a permanent scheme design and subsequent construction works.

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair noted concerns raised by speakers and officers regarding the actions of motorists not using the available space in a desirable way, but stated that that was the responsibility of each motorist and not either, the Council or the taxi trade.

Officers committed to further data collection and working with the taxi trade about how the space is used in the current taxi rank, as well as the need of the taxi trades.  

The Chair noted that the report stated that the taxi rank will be reduced from 7 to 4 spaces, with potential relocation to Newbury Street if needed.

Officers confirmed the design passed safety audits and committed to ongoing engagement with the taxi trade and local businesses.

The Chair made the point if these schemes were helping businesses, then the possibility of extending it should be looked into.

The Chair noted the consultation in 2023, which changed several elements of the proposed scheme, demonstrated the usefulness of consultations in engaging with and shaping proposals in local areas.

Officers committed to engaging with local businesses, taxi trades and accessibility groups over formalising a loading bay

The Chamber of Commerce gave conditional approval to this scheme, on the basis that the road closure will not extend beyond the current barriers or include the loading areas or taxi rank up to the Triangle and that it would remain open for deliveries, taxis and customer access. Officers gave assurance that their request would be the case.

The Chair referred to several of the consultation responses.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the making permanent of the existing prohibition of driving & waiting measures for:

 i) the western section of Market Place (reduced from original proposal to a point 17 metres southeast of its junction with Alfred Street,

ii) the southern section of Alfred Street (as advertised),

iii) the northern section of Church Street (as advertised).

b) Approve the making permanent of the removal of 30-minute time limited spaces (Mon-Sat 8am-6pm) on the west side of Alfred Street (approx. 3 spaces), and the southern side of Market Square (approx.1 space),

c) Approve the making permanent of the relocation of two existing Disabled Persons Parking Places on the south side of Market Square further eastwards,

d) Approve the permanent removal of existing motorcycle parking placed from the west side of Alfred Street,

e) Approve the retention of the taxi rank on its current alignment and not to proceed with proposals to relocate spaces further eastwards to sit adjacent to a proposed ‘horseshoe’ arrangement,

f) Approve the retention of the 30-minute time limited spaces (Mon-Sat 8am-6pm) on the southern side of Market Square (approx.2 spaces), and

g) Approve the continuing use of temporary planters and barriers, pending further design work being undertaken by the Wantage Market Place Regeneration (2025)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44/25

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/116

Contact: Jacob Mowlem, Engineer (Jacob.Mowlem@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTM7).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a Shared-Use foot & cycle path on the east side of the A338 Grove Road, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair noted that this proposed scheme was compliant with LTN1/20.

Officers confirmed that no concerns were raised from the Road Safety Audit.

Officers noted that the road markings were as tight as they could be whilst still allowing HGVs to pass through.

The Chair noted a response by the bus companies relating to a bus stop they felt was not compliant with the Equalities Act (2010). Officers noted that there was no change in the bus stop size and it was being relocated. The Chair asked officers to provide a written response on this particular point.

The Chair referred to several of the consultation responses.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of a Shared-Use foot & cycle path on the east side of the A338 Grove Road, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/74

Contact: James Wright, Senior Officer (Traffic and Road Safety)

(James.Wright@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTM8)

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of the following 30mph speed limits in Minster Lovell, as advertised:

                                               i.     B4047 Burford Road, and

                                             ii.     School Lane.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

Officers noted the support from the parish council, County Councillors and respondents to the consultation, and noted that the local County Councillor contributed to the costs of the consultation through the Councillor Priority Fund, which was welcomed.

The Chair noted an objection from Thames Valley Police, but following discussion with officers, felt it would be important to take the steps available now and if budget allowed at a later date, undertake further measures.

The Chair referred to several consultation responses.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of the following 30mph speed limits in Minster Lovell, as advertised:

i. B4047 Burford Road, and

ii. School Lane.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/107

Contact: Sharaz Arif, Project Manager – South & Vale

(Sharaz.Arif@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTM9)

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a 40mph speed limit on the A4183/Oxford Road, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

Officers noted this was related to the A34 Lodge Hill scheme and that the speed surveys related to DfT guidance. Officers confirmed that the proposed reduction was anticipatory as usage was expected to rise once the new junction was in place.

The Chair noted concerns from TVP but referenced that the speed limit reduction met DfT guidance, even without road layout changes in regards to the Lodge Hill slip roads. It was confirmed that is how the changes were designed.

The Chair referred to several consultation responses.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of a 40mph speed limit on the A4183/Oxford Road, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/084

Contact: Chloe Kirby, Engineer

(Chloe.Kirby@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTM10)

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ prohibition (double yellow lines) on:

                                               i.     the western side of The Boulevard,

                                             ii.     on the northern side of Langford Lane,

b)    Approve the introduction of ‘Time Limited 1hr No return within 2 hours’ parking provision on the western side of The Boulevard,

c)    Approve the construction of a ‘Parallel signal-controlled’ crossing on Langford Lane, and

d)    Approve the introduction of ‘Shared-Use foot & cycleway’ on the north side of Langford Lane & the western side of The Boulevard, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

It was noted that the changes were relatively minor and was connected with granted planning consent.

The Chair confirmed this proposal was aligned with the Kidlington LCWIP and noted support from one of the local District Councillors.

Officers confirmed that double yellow lines were need to ensure clarity and the ability of the Council to enforce these measures.

The Chair asked for the design agreed is consistent with the implementation of the scheme. Officers confirmed that engagement with designers to ensure the implementation of schemes are in line with design. The Chair asked for this process to continue to be robust and for detailed points to be shared if required.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ prohibition (double yellow lines) on: i. the western side of The Boulevard, ii. on the northern side of Langford Lane,

b) Approve the introduction of ‘Time Limited 1hr No return within 2 hours’ parking provision on the western side of The Boulevard,

c) Approve the construction of a ‘Parallel signal-controlled’ crossing on Langford Lane, and

d) Approve the introduction of ‘Shared-Use foot & cycleway’ on the north side of Langford Lane & the western side of The Boulevard, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/345

Contact: Dave Catling, Technical Officer (Dave.Catling@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTM11).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the construction of two kerbed build-outs on the B4031 Hempton Road in Hempton, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

Officers confirmed that the trials of these schemes were deemed to work well, but it was acknowledged that outgoing traffic was not as effectively slowed as incoming traffic.

It was noted that speeds would continue to be monitored. The Chair noted that this scheme was being brought forward now but it did not preclude further measures if they were needed.

The Chair referred to the funding arrangements for the scheme, the United States Visiting Forces Scheme, which was as a result of a fatality on the roads in 2019.

The Chair referred to several consultation responses.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the construction of two kerbed build-outs on the B4031 Hempton Road in Hempton, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/094

Contact: James Whiting, Principal Officer – Parking

(James.Whiting@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTM12)

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions on sections of Thame Road and Mill Lane, and

b)    Approve the introduction of a ‘No Waiting on Verge & Footway’ restriction on Thame Road in Chinnor, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

Officers confirmed that the moving traffic enforcement powers that the Council took on in 2022 does not extend to parking on footways currently. The Chair acknowledged that this could form part of the ask to government, or as monitoring of the scheme.

Officers noted that preventive measures were constrained by size and utilities but committed to working with other Council teams to explore solutions, such as the use of trees.

The Chair referred to several consultation responses.

The Chair noted support from local businesses and a local Councillor.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions on sections of Thame Road and Mill Lane, and b) Approve the introduction of a ‘No Waiting on Verge & Footway’ restriction on Thame Road in Chinnor, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/117

Contact: Mark Francis, Senior Officer – Traffic and Road Safety (Mark.Francis@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTM13).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a 30mph speed limit on Lower Road in Chilton, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

Officers explained the benefits of the scheme, noting that it was in the interests of safety for vulnerable road users across the link between Chilton Primary School and the local playground.

The Chair noted that the speed limits were an anomaly left over from when the slip road were built.

The Chair noted the support from the local Parish Council.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a 30mph speed limit on Lower Road in Chilton, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/119

Contact: Julian Richardson, Lead Engineer – Regulatory Planning Enforcement (Julian.Richardson@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTM14).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a Parallel Crossing on Blackthorn Road in Ambrosden, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their contributions and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair asked about recommendation dimensions and why the design has adopted the minimum size in each case. Officers confirmed that in the technical audit, it was deemed to not need larger sizes, with the exception of the cycling crossing point.

Officers noted that the regulations had minimum and maximum sizes but that each individual case was judged individually on what was appropriate, within those guidelines. Officers also confirmed that this could be incorporated into ongoing work around design guidance.

Officers stated that the crossing point needed to be widened, as well as the northern cycle route.

An ongoing commitment to working with relevant stakeholders and organisations on the design of the scheme was confirmed by officers and the Chair.

An amendment was proposed by the Chair and officers to reflect the particular design elements, so that it would read to:

‘Approve the introduction of a parallel crossing on Blackthorn Rd in Ambrosden, as amended, specifically related to tactile paving and the widening of the cycling route’.

The Chair asked to be kept informed of discussions.

The Chair referred to several consultation responses and noted the support from the local Parish Council.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report, as amended.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a parallel crossing on Blackthorn Rd in Ambrosden, as amended, specifically related to tactile paving and the widening of the cycling route.