ITEM CMDT6
CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT – 3 JANUARY 2008
SUMMERTOWN AREA 20MPH SPEED LIMIT
Report by Head of Transport
Introduction
1. Formal consultation has been carried out on a proposed new 20mph speed limit for side roads between Woodstock and Banbury Road in Summertown as part of the Summertown Shopping Area Environment Enhancement Scheme. This report recommends that the scheme proceed.
Background
2. The major improvement scheme programmed for the A4165 Banbury Road through the Summertown shopping area in 2008/09 includes a 20mph limit on the Banbury Road (from just south of the Lonsdale Road junction to just south of the Diamond Place junction) together with Summerfield Road, Mayfield Road and Diamond Place all of which have junctions within this length on the east side of Banbury Road.
3. This report summarises consultation on a proposed 20mph speed limit on the side roads to the west of the A4165 Banbury Road adjacent to the proposed major scheme. The relevant roads are Oakthorpe Road and South Parade (both of which have junctions with the Banbury Road) and Stratfield Road (which has junctions with the Oakthorpe Road and South Parade). Also included are Thorncliffe Road, Oakthorpe Place and Beech Croft Road, as although these are not directly adjacent to the major scheme, they are subject to pressures arising not only from the shopping area but also the major Waterways development on the west side of the Woodstock Road. See Annex 1 (download as .doc file) (Drawing No. 0020653/F4513) for details. A larger plan will be on display at the meeting.
Consultation
4. Public consultation was undertaken on all the above elements over a four-week period between 22 October and 16 November 2007. Advertisements were placed in local papers and letters sent to all residents and businesses in Banbury Road and adjacent side streets where they would be directly affected by the proposals. Street notices were also erected on site.
5. Thirty four responses were received. Thirty one (including one petition) supported the scheme and two objected. Thames Valley Police did not object but stressed that their current policy (in line with that of the County Council) is that 20mph limits should be self enforcing.
6. The two objections received were from residents.
7. No comments have been received from Oxford City or the local County Councillors representing the Summertown & Wolvercote division.
8. All comments received together with an officer response are summarised in Annex 2 (download as .doc file). Copies of correspondence are available in the Members’ Resource Centre.
Officers’ Comments
9. There are 10 comments including a 46 signature petition requesting an extension of the 20mph speed limits area. This request has been noted and officers will continue to monitor and review other areas individually, based on accident history and volume of traffic.
How the Project Supports LTP2 Objectives
10. The scheme will help to deliver two of the LTP objectives:
· Making roads safer by reducing speeds and therefore reducing accidents in the area. · Improving the street environment.
Financial and Staff Implications (including Revenue)
11. All costs associated with implementation of this scheme will be met by the Summertown Shopping Area Environmental Enhancement Scheme.
12. All work associated with this scheme will be carried out by staff from Oxfordshire Highways.
RECOMMENDATION
13. The Cabinet Member for Transport is RECOMMENDED to approve implementation of the 20mph speed limit as set out in this report and drawing No. 0020653/F4513.
STEVE HOWELL Head of Transport Environment & Economy
Background papers: Consultation documentation
Contact Officer: Anthony Kirkwood; Tel (01865) 815704 Andrew Vidovic; Tel (01865) 810437 December 2007
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