The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.
It was noted that the scheme provided a lack of cyclist provision, as described in the report, due to a lack of space. Officers undertook to look into cyclist sign provision and on-carriage markings, such as advanced stop lines, as part of the delivery of the scheme.
The Chair commented that route 10 of the Banbury Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) was being designed and could act as some mitigation to the lack of provision for cyclists in this proposal. It was also stated that the point of LCWIP’s was to enable for transport planning and schemes to fit into a wider framework.
Officers noted that when Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP) were discussed with operators, it was made clear that Banbury needed improvements to their bus services, in terms of timings and access to the town centre.
Concerns were noted about the relatively small time savings on bus journeys, but it was felt that time savings added up were cumulative and would help residents throughout the day. Officers confirmed they understood that other areas in Banbury needed to be looked at to improve services further.
The Chair thanked officers for their engagement with local Councillors and the local community in addressing problems from the original consultation.
Officers confirmed that there was engagement with Banbury councillors, through the Banbury Traffic Advisory Committee, pre and post-election, which led to amendments from the original scheme.
The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.
RESOLVED to:
a) Approve the Final scheme design for progression to construction.