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Division(s): Chalgrove

ITEM TIC5

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE – 22 DECEMBER 2005

WHEATLEY ROAD, GARSINGTON – PROPOSED TRAFFIC CALMING

Report by Head of Transport

Introduction

  1. This report considers the results received to a public consultation through formal advertisement of a proposed traffic calming scheme along Wheatley Road, Garsington and incorporating an improved gateway feature and seven pairs of 75mm high speed cushions as shown on the plan at Annex 1 (download as .doc file).

    2. Background

  2. Following complaints to both Garsington Parish Council and Oxfordshire County Council about the speed of vehicles along the Wheatley Road, it was agreed that this problem should be investigated.

  3. A traffic survey was undertaken and speeds in excess of 50mph and an 85 percentile speed of 40mph were recorded along this road which is currently restricted to 30mph.

  4. A formal presentation/discussion was held with Garsington Parish Council on alternative options for traffic calming. These included speed cameras, speed activated signs, chicanes, road humps and speed cushions. Garsington Parish Council then decided that a scheme incorporating speed cushions should be designed and offering to fund 50% of the scheme.

  5. At the presentation to Garsington Parish Council a request was made that before the County Council formally proceed with the scheme, the Parish Council canvas the views of local residents directly affected by the scheme to clarify levels of support for the scheme but if this was not found to be forthcoming then the proposal should be reconsidered.

    6. Consultation

  6. An informal consultation carried out by Garsington Parish Council on the proposed traffic calming scheme during March 2005. This involved a letter drop with plan to approximately 50 households. The results have been very positive with a 56% level of response of which 64% were in favour and 36% against the scheme.

  7. A formal consultation exercise on the proposal was carried out between 12 August and 12 September 2005 with a letter drop to 43 residents directly affected by the scheme.

  8. Notices were published in the Oxford Times and placed along the affected route. Plans were displayed on the Parish notice boards. Letters were also sent to the emergency services.

  9. A total of 12 letters containing comments/objections have been received of which 11 object and 1 support the proposed measures together with an email from Garsington Parish Council saying they unanimously support the proposal. A summary of the comments/objections received with officer comment on each are set out at Annex 2 (download as .doc file). Copies of all letters received have been placed in the Members’ Resource Centre.

    10. Financial Implications

  10. The scheme is being funded from the Area Office Local Safety Scheme Budget at a cost of approximately £9,000. As the Parish Council is funding 50% of the scheme, the cost to the County Council will be approximately £4,000.

    11. RECOMMENDATION

  11. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to authorise implementation of the proposed traffic calming scheme in Wheatley Road, Garsington as set out in the plan at Annex 1 to this report.

STEVE HOWELL
Head of Transport

Background papers: Consultation documents and responses

Contact Officer: Peter Ronald, Tel 01235 466139

December 2005

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