Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Transport

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/068

Non-Key Decision

Contact: Abdul Waraich, Project Manager (Abdul.Waraich@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDT).

Proposed speed limit changes, clearway extensions and no entry restrictions associated with the junction improvements on the A40.

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

Approve the following measures, as advertised:

(a)           New 60mph speed limits (in place of the existing National Speed Limits) on the A40 Witney bypass, and lengths on the various adjoining ‘on’ & ‘off’ slip roads.

(b)           New 40mph speed limits (in place of the existing National Speed Limits) on the B4022 Oxford Hill, High Cogges Road, and South Leigh Road.

(c)           New No Entry restriction on the A40 Eastbound off-slip road at its junction with the B4022 Oxford Hill,

(d)           New Clearway restrictions (‘Stopping prohibited at all times’) on the new A40 Eastbound off-slip & A40 Westbound on-slip roads.

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

Officers confirmed that the proposed 60mph speed limit was recommended due to the length of the slip roads and to assist vehicles joining and leaving the A40 whilst noting potential noise and air quality benefits.

The Chair noted that the eastern end of the Witney bypass was a fast section of road and that the proposed measures would support safe operation of the new junction.

The Chair also noted that the no entry restrictions were intended to prevent vehicles travelling the wrong way onto the dual carriageway.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following measures, as advertised:

a) New 60mph speed limits (in place of the existing National Speed Limits) on the A40 Witney bypass, and lengths on the various adjoining ‘on’ & ‘off’ slip roads.

b) New 40mph speed limits (in place of the existing National Speed Limits) on the B4022 Oxford Hill, High Cogges Road, and South Leigh Road.

c) New No Entry restriction on the A40 Eastbound off slip road at its junction with the B4022 Oxford Hill,

d) New Clearway restrictions (‘Stopping prohibited at all times’) on the new A40 Eastbound off-slip & A40 Westbound on-slip roads.