Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/013

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Vision Zero Team Leader (Anthony.Kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTMT)

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Bicester as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair referred to several submitted written statements and consultation responses, including the standard response referring to ‘concerns’ from Thames Valley Police, specifically about enforcement.

The Director of Environment and Highways took away an action to provide the formal position of the County Council on Traffic Advisory Committees (TAC).

Officers confirmed that the process of 20mph speed limit schemes begin with the support of local County Councillors through the TAC or the parish/town council. This is then brought forward to consultation after officers design detailed schemes through the application of County Council policies.

The Chair welcomed support for 20mph speed limits outside schools but pointed out that children make journeys on roads not just directly outside schools.

Officers confirmed that TRO’s can be made on unadopted roads, and that Kingsmere Road was included in the scheme.

Officers confirmed that the Council took its own approach in the October 2021 policy compared with the Department for Transport guidance.

The Chair thanked officers, speakers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Bicester as advertised.