Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Any county councillor may, by giving notice to the Proper Officer by 9 am two working days before the meeting, ask a question on any matter in respect of the Cabinet Member’s delegated powers.

The number of questions which may be asked by any councillor at any one meeting is limited to two (or one question with notice and a supplementary question at the meeting) and the time for questions will be limited to 30 minutes in total. As with questions at Council, any questions which remain unanswered at the end of this item will receive a written response.

Questions submitted prior to the agenda being despatched are shown below and will be the subject of a response from the appropriate Cabinet Member or such other councillor or officer as is determined by the Cabinet Member, and shall not be the subject of further debate at this meeting. Questions received after the despatch of the agenda, but before the deadline, will be shown on the Schedule of Addenda circulated at the meeting, together with any written response which is available at that time

There were none.

Cllr Andrew Gant informed the meeting that a number of public speakers and local Members had put forward their requests to address the meeting in person or virtually (via Microsoft Teams).

(The list of speakers and their statements is attached as an Appendix to these

minutes).

To approve the minutes from 21^st July 2022 and 8^th September 2022.

The minutes of the meetings held on 21st July 2022 and 8th September 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Cabinet Member for Highway Management.

Cllr Gant advised that he would be considering Item No. 11 - Shiplake - A4155 proposed 30mph speed limit and traffic calming measures first.

The decisions are listed in the order they appeared on the agenda.

This report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 20mph speed limit throughout Aston, Cote & Bampton, with the existing 30mph speed limits being replaced in their entirety. Additionally, on Main Road in Cote - the proposed 20mph speed limit will also be extended south-eastwards to cover the access to “Cote Bungalow Farm”, thus replacing the current 60mph National Speed Limit in the process. The proposals are being put forward following road safety concerns raised by the Parish Councils and are part of a countywide programme of works that seeks to deliver ‘a safer place with a safer pace’ for the residents of Oxfordshire.

The report presented responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 20mph speed limit throughout Aston, Cote & Bampton, with the existing 30mph speed limits being replaced in their entirety. Additionally, on Main Road in Cote - the proposed 20mph speed limit will also be extended south[1]eastwards to cover the access to “Cote Bungalow Farm”, thus replacing the current 60mph National Speed Limit in the process.

Cllr Andrew Gant invited the speakers to address the meeting and read out statements received (as per Appendix 1 of the minutes) and responded to issues and comments made by each speaker in descending order.

Cllr Gant sought clarification on what defined a residential street as there appeared to be some confusion regarding the proposed limits. In response it was explained that each was looked at in detail and included deceleration zones but the start points could be reviewed once implemented.

In respect of speeding data it was confirmed that this was not required in the agreed policy although this did not preclude sites being monitored. Cllr Gant referred to the adopted policy and gave a reminder that 20mph limits were requested by the local community and Parish/Town Council.

Cllr Gant highlighted issues raised in the consultation responses and confirmation was given that one stretch of road would be a reduction from 60mph to 20mph.

Clarification was given on the responses from Thames Valley Police (TVP) and bus operators regarding Cote which was the smallest of the parishes.

Cllr Gant summed up the issues and highlighted the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents publication on the benefits of 20mph limits.

Cllr Gant expressed his support for the recommendations in the report as the proposal would help facilitate walking and cycling within the village and the safe movement of traffic.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve as advertised the 20mph speed limits at Aston, Cote and Bampton.

This report presents the responses to a consultation on a proposal to introduce a 20mph speed limit at Blewbury, with the majority of the existing 30mph speed limits within the main residential area of the village being replaced. However, the existing 30mph speed limits on the A417, B4016, Bohams Road, and Woodway, as well as the existing 40mph speed limit on the B4016 Bessels Way will remain unchanged.

The report presented the responses to a consultation on a proposal to introduce a 20mph speed limit at Blewbury, with the majority of the existing 30mph speed limits within the main residential area of the village being replaced. However, the existing 30mph speed limits on the A417, B4016, Bohams Road, and Woodway, as well as the existing 40mph speed limit on the B4016 Bessels Way would remain unchanged.

Cllr Andrew Gant invited the speaker to address the meeting and read out statements received (as per Appendix 1 of the minutes) and responded to issues and comments made.

Cllr Gant made reference to enforcement of speed limits by TVP and indicated that issues raised in respect of crossings on the main roads would need to be bought forward separately. Officers gave confirmation that discussions were ongoing with the Parish Council regarding other traffic safety measures and speed limits.

Cllr Gant expressed his support for the recommendations as the proposal would help facilitate walking and cycling within the village and the safe movement of traffic. The ongoing discussions regarding wider traffic measures in Blewbury were noted.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve as advertised the 20mph speed limit at Blewbury.

This report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 20mph speed limit at Cassington with the existing 30mph speed limits being replaced in their entirety.

This report presented responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a 20mph speed limit at Cassington with the existing 30mph speed limits being replaced in their entirety.

Cllr Andrew Gant read out statements received (as per Appendix 1 of the minutes) and responded to issues and comments made.

The response from TVP was noted and that the bus operators had not raised any objection.

Cllr Gant expressed his support for the recommendations as the proposal would help facilitate walking and cycling within the village and the safe movement of traffic.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve as advertised the 20mph speed limit at Cassington.

This report presents the responses to a consultation on a proposal to introduce a 20mph speed limit in Chalgrove on those roads lying south of the B480, replacing the existing 30mph speed limits in their entirety. It is though proposed that the roads lying to the north of the B480 in the vicinity of the airfield & Monument Park will remain 30mph.

This report presented the responses to a consultation on a proposal to introduce a 20mph speed limit in Chalgrove on those roads lying south of the B480, replacing the existing 30mph speed limits in their entirety. It was however proposed that the roads lying to the north of the B480 in the vicinity of the airfield & Monument Park would remain at 30mph.

Cllr Andrew Gant read out the statement received (as per Appendix 1 of the minutes) and responded to issues and comments made.

Cllr Gant referred to concerns from the bus operators regarding the impact of the proposed development and the impact that a revised speed limit could have on journey times. Officers clarified that discussions were ongoing and clarified that the situation could be reviewed as there was growth in the area as had been the case in Witney.

In response to a question it was clarified that proposals could change if requires and that would need to be a separate decision.

Cllr Gant expressed his support for the recommendations as the proposal would help facilitate walking and cycling within the village and the safe movement of traffic. It was however emphasised that this should not be at the expense of slower bus journeys and discussions needed to be continued with the operators.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve as advertised:

a.    the 20mph speed limit at Chalgrove,

b.  the extended 20mph on Oxford Way, as well as the new roads lying north & south of Oxford Way forming the residential development located to the west of Marley Lane.

This report presents the responses to a consultation on a proposal to introduce a 20mph speed limit throughout the Ladygrove part of Didcot, i.e. those roads lying north & east of the railway line, replacing the existing 30mph speed limits in their entirety. Additionally, the new roads within the Willowbrook Park residential development lying north of the A4130 perimeter road accessed via Franklin Gardens will also be included, along with both Copse View & Oakend Lea which form the new residential development south of the A4130 Hadden Hill, adjacent to the retail park.

The report presented the responses to a consultation on a proposal to introduce a 20mph speed limit throughout the Ladygrove part of Didcot, namely those roads lying north & east of the railway line, replacing the existing 30mph speed limits in their entirety. Additionally, the new roads within the Willowbrook Park residential development lying north of the A4130 perimeter road accessed via Franklin Gardens would also be included, along with both Copse View & Oakend Lea which form the new residential development south of the A4130 Hadden Hill, adjacent to the retail park.

Cllr Andrew Gant invited the speaker to address the meeting and read out statements received (as per Appendix 1 of the minutes) and responded to issues and comments made.

Cllr Gant sought clarification regarding the support of the Town Council in light of comments regarding disagreement regarding Ladygrove being considered in isolation and not as part of a wider scheme. Officers responded that they understood that Didcot Town Council were in support.

It was noted that a second phase of 20mph limits was proposed for 2023 and Cllr Gant asked why the proposals had been split. In response it was explained that whilst a single scheme for the town was preferable it had been considered that Ladygrove would be self-enforcing due to traffic calming measures and had been bought forward earlier.

Cllr Gant reiterated the current situation and advised that he would like to defer a decision to allow further discussions with Didcot Toiwn Council regarding the submission of a comprehensive scheme for the whole town. It was clarified that this did not preclude Ladygrove being considered in isolation when the report was bought back for consideration.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to defer the 20mph speed limit in the Ladygrove area at Didcot to allow further discussions on a comprehensive scheme for Didcot.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management approved at the decisions meeting on 21 July a proposal to make an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to enable the implementation of a temporary public realm scheme on Broad Street. The project aims to discourage general vehicle movements and builds on the Broad Meadow scheme implemented by Oxford City Council in 2021 by increasing the extent of the scheme to the full length of Broad Street (Catte Street – Magdalen Street East); the measures in Broad Street itself are due to be largely implemented by the end of October 2022.

A decision is sought on  whether to proceed with making changes to existing permanent Traffic Regulation Orders.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management approved at the decisions

meeting on 21 July a proposal to make an Experimental Traffic Regulation

Order (ETRO) to enable the implementation of a temporary public realm

scheme on Broad Street. The project aimed to discourage general vehicle

movements and builds on the Broad Meadow scheme implemented by Oxford

City Council in 2021 by increasing the extent of the scheme to the full length

of Broad Street (Catte Street – Magdalen Street East); the measures in Broad

Street itself were due to be largely implemented by the end of October 2022.

As a consequence, a further consultation on amendments to the existing TROs governing parking places in central Oxford was carried out; in preparing

the consultation documents and taking account further design work and

engagement with stakeholders.

Cllr Gant referred to the provision of disabled parking provision that had been highlighted in the consultation responses. Officers confirmed that there was a net gain of one space and would be in accordance with national guidance. Further confirmation was given that concerns regarding bus movements and cycle parking had been fully addressed. Cllr Gant asked about the design of the cycle racks and it was indicated that the proposed racks could be moved easily to facilitate events and as it was temporary scheme could be kept under review. The provision of motorcycle parking was also clarified.

Cllr Gant expressed his support for the report recommendations and considered that the proposals would support Oxfordshire County Councils’ vision to deliver a zero-carbon Oxfordshire transport system that enabled the county to thrive whilst protecting the environment and making Oxfordshire a better place to live for all residents.

DECISION:

1.    The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve:

St Giles (east side) – the introduction of a new 14 metre section of ‘Motorcycle only parking’ approximately 100 metres south of Lamb and Flag Passage, replacing the existing ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow line) restriction in the process.

Parks Road (east side):

a.             The removal of one existing ‘Disabled Persons Parking Place’ (DPPP) and 23 metre section of ‘Pay & Display Parking’ 46 metres north of Holywell Street.

b.             The relocation of 5 DPPP bays (4 from Broad Street) starting 70 metres north of Holywell Street, replacing the southern-most section of the Pay & Display parking leaving 5 P & D parking places.

c.        The remaining length in the vicinity to be used for a temporary bus only ‘drop-off’ area.

2.    But not to approve:

Turl Street (east side): the introduction of a 20 metres cycle parking area between Ship Street junction and Exeter College entrance.

This report presents responses received to a consultation on a proposed 30mph speed limit and traffic calming measures on the A4155 at Shiplake.

The report presented responses received to a consultation on a proposed

30mph speed limit and traffic calming measures on the A4155 at Shiplake to permit safe access including for pedestrians to residential development (a retirement village) adjacent to the A4155 for which consent was granted by the Planning Inspectorate following an appeal by the developers to a decision by South Oxfordshire District Council not to approve the development.

Cllr Andrew Gant invited the speakers to address the meeting (as per Appendix 1 of the minutes) and responded to issues and comments made.

Cllr Gant indicated that this issue needed  a lot of consideration and outlined the history of the proposal and previous decisions that had been made. It was suggested that there was conflicting information and opinions and the evidence to reverse the decision that implemented the 40mph limit was not clear.

The planning and subsequent appeal decisions were outlined and the injury accident data highlighted. Cllr Gant asked about the unilateral undertaking and its legal standing. In response it was explained that this was an agreement between the County Council and the developer but a definitive answer on the status of the document could not be given. It was noted that a response to the Freedom of Information request mentioned had not been forthcoming as yet.

Cllr Gant advised that there were a number of issues outstanding and that he would defer consideration to a future meeting. It was requested that the next report should include information regarding speed data, the visibility splay, reduction of trees, the details of the unilateral undertaking and maps showing the proposed development.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to defer the item to a future meeting.

This report presents responses received to a consultation on proposed new sections of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) parking restrictions on Camp Road and Wellington Road, Upper Heyford. These proposals are being put forward in order to help prevent parked vehicles obstructing visibility at junctions and help the passage of traffic, as well as improving safety for more vulnerable road users. Additionally a 28 metre loading bay for Goods vehicles loading only, all days between 6am & 6pm is proposed on the north side of Camp Road, approximately 102 metres west of its junction with Wellington Road, adjacent to the retail development. This proposal seeks to alleviate the safety concerns raised over attempted deliveries to the stores.

The report presented responses received to a consultation on proposed new

sections of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) parking restrictions

on Camp Road and Wellington Road, Upper Heyford. These proposals were

being put forward in order to help prevent parked vehicles obstructing visibility

at junctions and help the passage of traffic, as well as improving safety for more vulnerable road users. Additionally a 28 metre loading bay for Goods vehicles loading only, all days between 6am & 6pm is proposed on the north side of Camp Road, approximately 102 metres west of its junction with Wellington Road, adjacent to the retail development. The proposal sought to alleviate the safety concerns raised over attempted deliveries to the stores.

Cllr Gant asked about the suggestions from the Parish council regarding additional proposals in respect of traffic measures in the area. In response it was confirmed that this could be monitored and reviewed as development progressed.

Cllr Gant gave his approval to the recommendations and considered that the proposals would help facilitate the safe movement of traffic.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve as advertised:

a)    Camp Road - a bay for Goods vehicles loading only, all days between 6am & 6pm, on the north side of the road adjacent to retail premises

b)    Camp Road & Wellington Road - new sections of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines).

Following representations being made by Wantage Town Council and the local County Councillor on the safety and amenity of pedestrians – and in particular those walking to and from the adjacent primary school, proposals comprising the provision of a raised zebra crossing & associated parking restrictions and on Charlton Village Road in Wantage, have been taken to formal consultation as detailed in the report.

The report outlined representations made by Wantage Town Council and the local County Councillor on the safety and amenity of pedestrians – and in particular those walking to and from the adjacent primary school. Proposals comprising the provision of a raised zebra crossing & associated parking restrictions and on Charlton Village Road in Wantage were presented in the report.

Cllr Andrew Gant read out a statement received (as per Appendix 1 of the minutes) and responded to issues and comments made.

Cllr Gant highlighted concerns regarding the displacement of parking for the school. Officers acknowledged the concern and highlighted that TVP had not raised an objection.

Cllr Gant indicated his support for the recommendations in that the  proposals would help facilitate walking, and the safety of pedestrians in the immediate vicinity.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve as advertised:

a)    a raised Zebra Crossing on Charlton Village Road, which will be sited on a flat top road hump, approximately 29 metres east of its junction with Aldworth Road coupled with the removal of a pair of existing speed cushions.

b)    New “No Waiting at Any Time” (double yellow lines) parking restrictions on Charlton Village Road.

This report presents responses received to a consultation on proposed new “No Waiting at Any Time” (double yellow lines) parking restrictions in Springfield Avenue Road and Mary Shunn Way, Wantage to address safety and congestion problems associated with parking at the north end of Springfield Road.

The report presented responses received to a consultation on proposed new “No Waiting at Any Time” (double yellow lines) parking restrictions in Springfield Avenue Road and Mary Shunn Way, Wantage to address

safety and congestion problems associated with parking at the north end of

Springfield Road.

Cllr Gant highlighted issues around the loss of residents parking. Officers clarified the proposals sought to protect the junction and there was insufficient room for parking on both sides of the road.

Cllr Gant agreed the recommendations and considered the proposals would help facilitate the safe movement of traffic and also of pedestrians walking on the footways in particular on the western side of Springfield Road which is frequently over-run by vehicles.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve as advertised the new “No Waiting at Any Time” (double yellow lines) parking restrictions in Springfield Avenue Road and Mary Shunn Way, Wantage.

This report presents responses received to a consultation on a proposed extension of the 30mph speed limit and traffic calming on the B4031 Hempton Road to permit safe access to approved residential development adjacent to this road.

This report presented responses received to a consultation on a proposed

extension of the 30mph speed limit and traffic calming on the B4031 Hempton

Road to permit safe access to approved residential development adjacent to this road.

Cllr Gant sought clarification regarding the impact of the buildout for larger vehicles. Confirmation was given that such schemes had been implemented in other similar areas without problems.

Cllr Gant supported the recommendations as the proposals would help facilitate walking and the safe movement of traffic.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve:

a)    The proposed extension of the 30mph speed limit in place of the current national speed limit, and

b)    The proposed traffic calming build out.

This report presents responses received to a consultation on a proposed zebra crossing together with Northern and Southern traffic calming buildouts on Wheatley Road in Garsington. Due to a number of key concerns raised within the consultation process, the Southern traffic calming buildouts have been removed from this approvals process.  The remaining proposals seek to help improve pedestrian safety in the vicinity of Garsington C of E Primary School, and to help improve road safety by reducing the speed of traffic.

The report presented responses received to a consultation on a proposed zebra crossing together with Northern and Southern traffic calming buildouts on Wheatley Road in Garsington. It was noted that due to a number of key concerns raised within the consultation process, the Southern traffic calming buildouts have been removed from this approvals process.

Cllr Gant agreed the recommendations and considered that the proposals would help facilitate walking and the safe movement of traffic.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve:

a)    The proposed zebra crossing on Wheatley Road; and

b)    The proposed Northern traffic calming build-out on Wheatley Road.