Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2016/035

Contact: Andy Warren, Project Sponsor Tel: (01865) 815835

Report by Acting Director for Environment & Economy (CA6).

A report on proposals for changes to access for buses, taxis and cyclists in Queen Street was considered by the Cabinet Member for Environment on 24^th November 2016, seeking a delegated decision of the Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member for Environment decided at that meeting to refer the matter to full Cabinet on 20^th December with a recommendation “to approve a proposal that Queen Street remain open as it was before the Westgate redevelopment with a review after 6 months”.

This officer report sets out the reasons for the Cabinet Member for Environment’s decision on 24^th November and highlights a number of issues the Cabinet needs to be aware of in considering this matter.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED:

(a)      To consider the Cabinet Member for Environment’s decision and recommendation as set out in paragraph 6.

(b)          If the Cabinet is minded to approve the Cabinet Member for Environment’s recommendation, TO INSTRUCT officers to work with bus operators and others towards the ‘additional measures’ set out in paragraph 11, seeking Cabinet or Cabinet member approval where required.

Following a vote by a show of hands(by 2 for and 7 against) the recommendation on page 14 of the agenda was not agreed.

It was proposed by Councillor Hudspeth, seconded and following a vote by a show of hands (by 7 for to 0 against with 2 abstentions) it was:

RESOLVED:             to instruct officers to report to a future Cabinet meeting a proposal for an experimental closure of Queen Street to buses and taxis which address the concerns about conditions in St Aldates and High Street raised during the recent consultation and which does not rely on the bus turning facility at Worcester Street.

A report on proposals for changes to access for buses, taxis and cyclists in Queen Street was considered by the Cabinet Member for Environment on 24^th November 2016, seeking a delegated decision of the Cabinet Member.

The Cabinet Member for Environment decided at that meeting to refer the matter to full Cabinet on 20^th December with a recommendation “to approve a proposal that Queen Street remain open as it was before the Westgate redevelopment with a review after 6 months”.

Cabinet had before them a report that set out the reasons for the Cabinet Member for Environment’s decision on 24^th November and highlighted a number of issues the Cabinet needed to be aware of in considering this matter. Sue Halliwell, Acting Director for Strategy & Infrastructure Planning gave a presentation outlining the impact of an experimental closure of Queen Street and advising Cabinet that this was still the recommended course of action from officers.

Graham Jones, speaking for Oxford High Street Association expressed concerns at the impact of a closure on High Street and St Aldates. More bus stops would create greater congestion on the narrow pavements. There was concern for the impact on the historic street scene and safety fears as pedestrians were forced to walk on the road. On behalf of ROCs he also expressed concern at the longer bus routes and commented that any closure should wait until a strategy was in place.

Sara Fuge, Development Manager, Oxford Westgate Alliance, supported the closure of Queens Street in order to aid their aim for the development to be fully integrated to the rest of the City Centre. Buses in Queen Street would lead to an uncomfortable environment and she questioned the safety of pedestrians.

Debbie Dance, Oxford Preservation Trust, supported keeping Queen Street open as there was a need to preserve a balance between shopping and heritage.

Phil Southall, Managing Director, Oxford Bus Company, supported keeping Queen Street open. He questioned the validity of the figures quoted for pedestrian footfall. He expected a spike in the first 6 months but after that expected the numbers to normalise. Previous agreements to provide a turning circle had been reversed. The bus company was willing to have further discussions but felt that Queen Street not be closed without a turning circle. He supported the status quo with the road remaining open until a strategy was in place. There was no record of accidents and safety concerns could be addressed. In response to a question he advised cabinet that if Queen Street was closed buses would need to use Frideswide Square. He questioned whether this was an appropriate use of the shared space that had been created there. Buses would be forced to stop further out, providing a poor experience for shoppers who would not be dropped where they want.

Martin Sutton, Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, commented that they would like to see Queen Street fully pedestrianised but that this would only work with the provision of the turning circle  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110