Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2021/019

Contact: Robert Freshwater Mobile: 07775007926/Naomi Barnes, Project Manager Tel: 07824 528681

Report by Assistant Director Growth & Place (CMDE4).

In November 2019, the Cabinet Member for Environment approved implementation of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to restrict motor vehicle access on Walton Street at its junction with Worcester Street.  The 18-month period for this trial concludes on 17 May 2021. 

Prior to that date, a decision is required on whether to make the trial measure permanent or whether it should be removed.  Following formal consultation on the trial measures between November 2019 and May 2020, the Cabinet Member decided to continue the experimental order at a Cabinet Members Decisions meeting in August 2020 pending consultation and progress on a local traffic neighbourhood scheme.  Following receipt of Department for Transport (DfT) Active Travel funding in late 2020, an area pilot scheme for the Jericho and Walton Manor area, aimed at promoting active travel for the area, was consulted on between 5 March 2021 and 19 March 2021.  The area pilot was proposed as an alternative to the current ETRO arrangements. This report details the outcomes of the area pilot scheme consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to:

a)        Terminate the current Experimental Traffic Regulation Order on Walton Street, to not make the trial scheme permanent and remove all traffic management measures associated with the trial.

b)        Not proceed with the Jericho and Walton Manor area pilot scheme consulted on by the county council, in recognition of local opinion provided during the consultation phase.

c)        Note the wide range of important issues raised by those opposing, supporting, and neutral about the Jericho and Walton Manor area pilot scheme proposals.

Approved

Approved

Approved

In November 2019, the Cabinet Member for Environment had approved implementation of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to restrict motor vehicle access on Walton Street at its junction with Worcester Street.  The 18-month period for that trial was due to conclude on 17 May 2021. 

Prior to that date, a decision was required on whether the trial measure should be made permanent or whether it should be removed.  Following formal consultation on the trial measures between November 2019 and May 2020, the Cabinet Member had decided in August 2020 to continue the experimental order pending consultation and progress on a local traffic neighbourhood scheme.  Following receipt of Department for Transport (DfT) Active Travel funding in late 2020, an area pilot scheme for the Jericho and Walton Manor area, aimed at promoting active travel for the area, was consulted on between 5 March 2021 and 19 March 2021.  The area pilot was proposed as an alternative to the current ETRO arrangements and this report details the outcomes of consultation on that pilot scheme.

Before considering the officer report and hearing from speakers the Cabinet Member wanted to remind the meeting of the background to and amount of work that had been undertaken through a number of county council led road safety measures and restricted traffic calming schemes in the Jericho and Walton Manor area, which had included measures on Kingston Road, St Bernard’s Road and Hayfield Road/Aristotle Lane.. The area also showed a strong base for active travel measures and work to date had provided strong figures and a good basis on which to consider these trials and experiments. In addition to the specific schemes for traffic calming along the whole length of Walton Street and in Observatory Street and Frenchay Road a traffic filter had been provided on the western end of Polstead Road, Little Clarendon Street had non raised calming measures and raised side road entry treatments had been installed at junctions of all side roads along the Woodstock Road except Little Clarendon Street. Furthermore, a review of traffic accident data had suggested that it was unlikely that through traffic would have been a contributory factor in a great many of the incidents reported in this area.  By drawing attention to this now illustrated how much care and attention Oxfordshire County Council had delivered to this area.

John Faux spoke as a resident of Jericho who worked in Kidlington. As a walker, runner, cyclist, motorcyclist, motorist and also passionate supporter of local businesses, he estimated that 90% of his journeys outside of work were to Walton Street or Little Clarendon Street. Since Walton Street had been closed walking, running and cycling had become infinitely more enjoyable and considerably safer and while he had to drive a bit further to get in and out of Jericho that was acceptable when considering the positives now being experienced.  Prior to the closure Walton Street had often been blocked or very busy with traffic and dangerous to cycle down. He believed a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2