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Division(s): Eynsham

ITEM TIC13

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE – 7 JULY 2005

A40/WITNEY ROAD, EYNSHAM – PROHIBITION OF RIGHT TURN

Report by Interim Head of Transport

Introduction

  1. At the Transport Implementation Committee meeting on 20 January 2005, authority was given for officers to proceed with Options 1-6 of the ‘Eynsham Traffic Proposals: Results of Consultation’ report. Option 1 proposed the signalisation of the A40/Witney Road junction and the prohibition of the right turn out of Witney Road (towards Oxford). This report considers comments received following the advertising of the ‘Prohibition of Right Turn’ Order and recommends implementation.

    2. The Proposal

  2. The proposed Order is for the prohibition of a right-turn from Witney Road, Eynsham to an easterly direction on the A40 (towards Oxford), as shown at Annex 1 (download as .doc file). This will coincide with the installation of signals at this junction.

  3. The installation of signals is proposed at the Witney Road junction as part of the proposals to improve the running of the bus service through Eynsham, which in turn is part of the ‘Premium Bus Route’ from Witney to Oxford. Buses are regularly being held up at this junction, which result in them running late. The signals would stop westbound traffic, allowing buses to proceed more quickly than waiting for a gap, particularly when in a queue of other vehicles. They would also provide a safe controlled crossing of the A40 for pedestrians.

  4. The signalisation will have little if any detrimental effect on A40 westbound traffic since currently there is intermittent delay occasioned by drivers slowing to allow traffic into and out of Witney Road. This is causing a cascade effect on the westbound queue, which frequently extends back to the roundabout during peak periods.

  5. The signalisation of this junction will also have little effect on A40 eastbound traffic since the eastbound flow will be stopped only when the pedestrian crossing is in use. By eliminating the right-turn movement onto A40 eastbound, the number of phases on the traffic signals is reduced and the flow of A40 eastbound traffic is enhanced.

  6. The consultation process for the A40 improvements and Eynsham Premium Bus Route involved an exhibition in October 2004. At that exhibition, the public’s views were sought on all the Options under consideration, including the prohibition of this right-turn. A number of people did say that they do not consider making this manoeuvre, as it feels dangerous and 77% of respondents agreed that the turn should be prohibited. Whilst there has only been one (serious) personal injury accident in the last five years the junction is perceived to be dangerous. The prohibition of this manoeuvre and the introduction of traffic signals will eliminate this.

    7. Consultation

  7. In addition to the informal consultation carried out in October 2005, notices were displayed on site and in the local newspapers between 11 March and 1 June 2005. Letters were sent to the emergency services, road user groups, the local member and the Parish Council.

  8. Three responses have been received. Thames Valley Police state "The introduction of these proposals should be a positive benefit in terms of road safety for all classes of road users". The Fire and Rescue Service confirm that "The proposal will have no adverse effects on the function of the Fire and Rescue Service".

  9. A letter has been received from one resident of Eynsham objecting to the proposal. That objection along with officer comment is shown at Annex 2 (download as .doc file). Copies of all responses are available for inspection in the Members’ Resource Centre.

    10. Financial and Staff Implications

  10. Funding for Option 1 of the A40 corridor is included in the 2005/06 Network Strategy budget and is estimated at £150,000. This Order is a minor part of the budget.

  11. Design work is being carried out by Faber Maunsell and project management by Jacobs Babtie. However, processing of the Order has been, and will be, carried out by officers within Environment & Economy and Resources and within current staffing levels.

    12. RECOMMENDATIONS

  12. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to authorise officers to proceed with the making of the (Witney Road, Eynsham) (Prohibition of Right Turn) Order, as advertised and shown in Annex 1 (download as .doc file) to this report.

RICHARD DIX
Interim Head of Transport

Background papers:
Consultation documentation and responses.
Report ‘Eynsham Traffic Proposals: Results of Consultation’

Contact Officer: Errol Carrington Tel: Oxford 815576

June 2005

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