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1. The 30 mph Speed Limit Project for the Cherwell Area has been subdivided into two phases. This report briefly describes the outcome of the initial consultations for the 39 communities in Phase 2, covering the southern and eastern parts of Cherwell together with Banbury. Speed limits on the old A43 through Gosford and Water Eaton and Kidlington are now being progressed independently as part of the traffic calming scheme on this route.

Initial Consultation Responses

2. The preliminary site meetings where local representatives are invited to discuss possible new or amended speed limits, continue to establish a useful rapport with the local community. Thames Valley Police maintain their valuable support by attending most meetings to advise on realistic and enforceable limits. The police made objections in 2 parishes although this should be seen in the context of their agreement to new or amended limits in 31 parishes. Full consultation details and copies of all unresolved objection responses are available in the Members’ Resource Centre.
3. In 24 parishes no significant objections were received. These parishes are listed in Annex 1. The remaining 9 parishes, where representations have been received, are listed in Annex 2, together with my recommendations. Site visits are recommended in Kidlington and Middleton Stoney to enable all the circumstances to be assessed before finalising the form of draft Orders. Authority is also sought to publish draft Orders in accordance with the recommendations set out in Annex 2 and, subject to there being no further insurmountable objections at the formal consultation stage, to implement the speed limits in Phase 2.
4. Annex 3 lists the County Council’s speed limit criteria agreed by the former Highways & Road Safety Sub-Committee.

Environmental Implications

5. No major environmental concerns have been raised although experience in West Oxfordshire suggests concerns over the intermediate reminder signs can arise once they are erected. All signs will be sited sensitively and local councils have been invited to participate in positioning repeater signs (on existing posts whenever possible). The project manager will meet on site to discuss individual concerns if they arise.

Financial and Staff Implications

6. Provision has been made in the 2002/03 revenue budget for the 30mph Speed Limit Project for the Cherwell Area. The work will be undertaken from within existing staff resources.

  RECOMMENDATIONS

7. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to:

1. note the objections and representations in response to initial consultation for the 9 parishes set out in Annex 2 and the individual recommendations of the Director of Environmental Services;
2. authorise the Director of Environmental Services to publish draft Orders as recommended in Annex 2, taking into account (in Kidlington and Middleton Stoney) the advice of the Executive Member for Transport and local members following an inspection of the sites; and
3. approve the implementation of the speed limits for the Cherwell Phase 2 Parishes as set out in Annexes 1 and 2, subject to the outcome of (b) above and to any objections or representations in respect of the published draft Orders being referred to the Executive for consideration and decision.

DAVID YOUNG
Director of Environmental Services

Contact Officer: Geoff Barrell Tel: Oxford 810450

May 2002


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