Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/017

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by the Interim Director for Community Operations (CMDE5).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a humped zebra crossing and traffic calming measures comprising a flat-topped road hump, speed cushion and raised over-run areas on the Oxford Road at Littlemore.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve withdrawing proposals for the introduction of a zebra crossing and to investigate alternative calming including consideration of suggestions made during consultation.

Approved.

Although no firm commitment could be given at this stage the Cabinet Member asked that investigations also include consideration for provision of a pedestrian crossing on Littlemore Road.

Replacement of solar powered vehicle activated speed signs.

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE5) responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a humped zebra crossing and traffic calming measures comprising a flat-topped road hump, speed cushion and raised over-run areas on the Oxford Road at Littlemore.

Paul Lodge spoke on behalf of a group of 28 local residents, 26 of whom lived on Oxford Road itself and 2 on Dudgeon Drive, which adjoined Oxford Road,  all of whom strongly supported both elements of the recommendation and were eager to see some kind of traffic calming introduced. Many of those had campaigned for this for many years. However, they were also keen to stress their desire that particular attention be given to keeping to an absolute minimum the impact of any proposed scheme on the availability of parking for residents of Oxford Road.  Whilst members of the group differed over just which elements they would like to see in a future proposal, along with the desire to see the removal of the zebra crossing, this was a point of unanimous agreement. The members of the group would also like to highlight a number of other elements of the recommendation. Whilst the recent consultation had resulted in some support for the introduction of a zebra crossing, there were fewer submissions in favour than against, and crucially, the submissions from those objecting to the proposal were much longer and carefully considered, as well as being far more impassioned. Furthermore, many of those supporting the proposal, were not people who would be affected by loss of parking.     He concurred with the Parish Council in asking for the permanent introduction of flashing speed warnings to replace the ones removed. These had been introduced temporarily in 2019 to very good effect.

Mr Barrell undertook to revisit the site again with the parish Council adding that he had not been aware that the speed signs had gone. He confirmed that to a degree they had been effective and respected by drivers.

City Councillor John Tanner advised thatOxford Road in Littlemore suffered from heavy levels of traffic and he along with the people of Littlemore sought an assurance that the much needed and supported calming elements of the scheme will be put in place in this financial year 2020/21?   He had been delighted when development funding was made available to increase traffic calming in Oxford Road, which suffered from rat-running, speeding traffic and was difficult for pedestrians to cross. Once we emerged from lockdown he was sure Oxford Road would soon return to its high traffic levels.  The officer scheme as proposed had been well considered and had his support as one of the City councillors elected to represent Littlemore ward but he recognised that some had objected to the proposed position of the pedestrian crossing because it reduced the number of on-street car parking spaces. However, there was agreement among local residents and the Littlemore Parish Council for the introduction of the traffic calming elements of the County Council scheme, without the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/017

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by the Interim Director for Community Operations (CMDE10).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation on a proposal to introduce a humped zebra crossing and traffic calming measures comprising a flat-topped road hump, speed cushion and raised over-run areas on the Oxford Road at Littlemore put forward as a result of calls from the parish council following ongoing concerns by residents over the increasing speed and volume of traffic along Oxford Road.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the withdrawal of proposals for the introduction of a zebra crossing and investigate alternative traffic calming measures to include consideration of suggestions made during consultation.