Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were none.

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 no questions from County Councillors.

Members of the public who wish to speak at this meeting can attend the meeting in person or ‘virtually’ through an online connection.

Requests to speak must be submitted by no later than 9am four working days before the meeting.  Requests to speak should be sent to committeesdemocraticservices@oxfordshire.gov.uk .

If you are speaking ‘virtually’, you may submit a written statement of your presentation to ensure that if the technology fails, then your views can still be taken into account. A written copy of your statement can be provided no later than 9 am 2 working days before the meeting. Written submissions should be no longer than 1 A4 sheet.

The following speakers addressed the meeting:

(All speakers on all the items have 3 minutes except for County Councillors representing the relevant division who have 5 minutes).

Statements submitted for 23rd February 2023

NOTE: At this point Cabinet Member informed the meeting that he would first consider the following items on the agenda:

Item 5 - Abingdon Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

Item 12 - Abingdon – proposed 20mph and 30mph speed limits

Item 14 - Cumnor (including Farmoor): proposed 20mph and 30mph speed limits

Item 18 - Kingston Lisle and Fawler –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29/23

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 26 January 2023.

Cllr Andrew Gant approved the minutes of the meeting from 26th January 2023.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/142

Contact: Sam Larkin, Transport Planner.

Report by Director of Transport & Infrastructure (CMDHM 5).

To seek approval for the draft Abingdon Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

This report presented the fourth Local Cycling Walking and Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) to be considered for approval by the County Council. The Abingdon LCWIP was called for in Oxfordshire County Council’s (OCC) adopted Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP). The report and annexes presented a network of walking and cycling routes in and around Abingdon and set out high level proposals for improvements to the walking and cycling infrastructure. The improvements were intended for development over a ten-year period to 2032, enabling a model shift to sustainable and active modes of travel.  

The LCWIP was also well aligned with the County Council’s nine priorities as outlined in the Strategic Plan 2022-2025.

The Chair, Cllr Gant – Cabinet Member for Highway Management, invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to the points made in their statements.

The Chair agreed that it was important to make cyclists aware of the existence of cycle paths and to understand why some cyclists opted instead to cycle on carriageways.

The Chair reiterated that the actions in the LCWIP were iterative and could be brought forward in synergy with other things such as funding opportunities from Government or developers.

The Chair observed that some proposals set out in the LCWIP could risk a negative impact on air quality in the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) by increasing vehicular queueing. The report suggested that these proposals may be deferred until such a time as local air quality was less problematic in central Abingdon. The Chair invited officers to elaborate on this point.

Officers explained that the latest Air Quality Annual Status Report from the Vale of White Horse suggested that in the following 12 months consideration may soon be given to revoking the AQMA in Abingdon. If designated pollution levels were consistently below a certain level then an AQMA was not required.

The Chair noted that travel to school data for private schools was not held at this time.

Officers explained that data on travel patterns to state schools was available in a readily available format via an online tool developed by the Department for Transport for estimating demand for cycling in an area. Data for private schools was not provided through that platform and there was not sufficient officer capacity to engage individually with private schools. The Chair asked officers to look at how the Council could encourage private schools to provide travel patterns data. 

The Chair commended the ambition of the LCWIP and thanked officers for the work they had undertaken on this proposal.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the Abingdon Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/239

Contact: Jacob Mowlem , Technician Engineer Road Agreements Team.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM  6).

To approve a proposed pedestrian and pedal cycle provision as part of approved retail development.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed installation of a toucan crossing on the B4017 Wootton Road at Abingdon. The provision of this crossing was a planning condition in respect of the approved development of adjacent land for a food retail business.

The Chair invited Cllr Nathan Ley to address the meeting. The importance of adequate maintenance of the cycle provision was raised and the new vehicle access to the store and the junction layout was queried.

In response, Officers confirmed that it was safe, and access would be installed in line with the planning approved layout. The impact of overgrowth was reviewed during the planning process, and it was determined that the hedgerow was to be retained.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED a toucan crossing on the B4017 Wootton Road at Abingdon as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/183

Contact: Ryan Moore, Senior Engineer, Road Agreements Team.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 7).

To seek approval of proposed crossings and cycle track.

The report presented responses to a consultation on a proposal to introduce a number of pedestrian and pedal cycle improvements on Kennington Road and Whites Lane in order to provide safe and convenient facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

The measures were being funded by the developers of housing on adjacent land with particular focus of encouraging active travel by occupants of this development, the measures would also benefit the many existing pedestrian and cyclists including through the provision of a convenient link through the development of the Sustrans Route 5 linking Abingdon and Oxford

The Chair invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to the points made in their statements.

Cllr Ley asked what the likely timescale for this plan was. Officers explained that the legal process was still underway, and proposals were early on in the design stage. They hoped that work would start a year from now at the latest. 

A key theme throughout the speakers’ statements was the request for engagement and a coproduction approach to outstanding matters of design. The Chair reiterated the importance of a collaborative coproduction approach with Cyclox, CoHSAT and local councillors.

The Chair was pleased that the scheme would be connected further to the south and addressed the current missing link for cyclists travelling between Abingdon and Oxford.

There was concern that this scheme would have a negative impact on biodiversity, with the loss of verges on the eastern side to facilitate the cycleway/footway. The hedges would not be lost but two highway trees needed to be removed to facilitate the works. The Chair asked that the project meet the County Council’s commitment to biodiversity net gain.

The Chair commended the scheme and its elements of co-production.

The need for developments to deliver benefits for the site itself and its neighbouring areas was always a challenge, but the Chair felt this scheme achieved that. 

The Cabinet Member APPROVED the following measures as advertised:

a)    A new zebra crossing on Kennington Road

b)    A new raised parallel crossing on Kennington Road

c)    A new non-raised parallel crossing on Whites Lane

d)    A new shared-use footway/cycle track (to be approximately 3 meters wide) on the east side of Kennington road, and the west side of whites lane

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/223

Contact: Jim Whiting, Principal Officer, Parking.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 8).

Proposed traffic measure to facilitate amenity of residents.

Following the introduction of Civil Parking Enforcement across Cherwell, South Oxfordshire and The Vale of the White Horse districts in November 2021, many requests were received to review existing parking restrictions, including for Dunkin’s Close which suffers from an overspill of non-resident parking from the nearby town center and multi-storey car park. The local Member for Bicester North asked that this request be progressed and the report presents the consultation responses to the advertise Traffic Regulation Order for a proposed scheme.

The Chair reflected on the responses received through the consultation and agreed with officers’ observations and their responses.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the following proposals as advertised

a)    ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (Double Yellow Lines) restrictions on St. Johns Street (Dunkin’s Close),

b)    Introduce permit holders only parking spaces on St.Johns Street (Dunkin’s Close), and

c)    Make changes to permit charges and rules in Cherwell District, including limits on permits per resident/property, visitor permit allocation, and charges of £66 per permit per annum.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/224

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Principal Engineer Traffic and Road Safety.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 9).

Proposed traffic measures to facilitate public transport.

Following concerns being received from Littlemore Parish Council about the obstruction by parked vehicles for buses seeking to use the existing bus stop layby approximately 30 meters north of dudgeon drive, it is proposed to introduce a bus stop clearway.

The Chair observed officers’ responses to objections and agreedthat it was important that buses could pull in close and parallel to kerbs at bus stops and depart easily without being impeded by other parked motor vehicles.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED as advertised a bus stop clearway on Oxford Road approximately 30 metres north of Dudgeon Drive at Littlemore.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/184

Contact: Adam Barrett, Senior Engineer, Road Agreements Team.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 10).

To seek approval of proposed waiting restrictions.

Following concerns raised by the local County Councillor and local residents about excessive and obstructive overspill parking from commuters using Hanborough rail station and the adjacent commercial business park, waiting restrictions have been proposed between 11am and noon Monday to Fridays, applying on both sides of all roads within the Hanborough Park residential development.

The Chair invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to the points made in their statements.

The Chair noted that in the report the overall balance of opinion was not supportive of the proposals, but most respondents did acknowledge that the current parking problems caused by rail users did require action. Despite the proposals limited time of operation, one of the grounds for concern was the inconvenience caused to residents and their visitors. A number of responses suggested that a resident permit parking scheme would be appropriate. Some of those supportive of the scheme expressed a preference for the proposal over a residents permit parking scheme.

Cllr Liam Walker considered the proposals a good first step which should be monitored and reviewed at a later date after which a residents permit parking scheme could be adopted; he was hesitant about the cost to residents. The Chair agreed and emphasised the importance of local engagement on this issue.

The Chair asked that officers progress the proposals for extending the existing no waiting at any time restrictions further into Regents Drive in a timely manner.

The Chair noted comments and objections but overall deemed this a good scheme which was a proportionate response to local circumstances.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to

a)    approve the proposed waiting restrictions at Regent Drive area (Hanborough Park) Long Hanborough.

b)    instruct officers to prepare a plan for an extended length of no waiting at any time restrictions to be prepared and consulted on.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/240

Contact: Chloe Kirby, Engineer, Road Agreements Team.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 11).

To agree proposed traffic safety measures as part of approved residential development.

In accordance with approved policy that all roads within new residential developments in the county will have a 20mph speed limit order, a consultation was carried out on a proposed 20mph speed limit on the roads within a development to the west of the existing Bretch Hill residential area in Banbury. Additionally, to avoid the potential obstruction and road safety hazards arising from parking, the proposals also included no waiting at any time restrictions on Wilson and Longley Crescent as shown in Annex 2.

The Chair noted that there was more support for the 20mph speed limit scheme than the ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions (3 objections and 15 objections, respectively).  It was accepted that there was risk of some displacement, but the current parking was judged to be obstructive.

It was suggested that, in the longer term, a residents permit parking scheme might be more appropriate to manage parking provision more effectively and equitably in this area. The Chair asked officers to keep this under review.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED as advertised the following:

a)    A 20mph speed limit on Bailey Road, Bennett Drive, Fivash Close, Davies Road, George Parish Road, Hall Close, Harris Close, Longley Crescent, Tony Humphries Road, Upton Close and Wilson Road.

b)    ‘No waiting at any time’ parking restrictions (double yellow lines) at Wilson Road & Longley Crescent.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/145

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 12).

This report presents responses received to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph and 30mph speed limits in Abingdon.

This report presented responses received to a statutory consultation on the proposed induction of 20mph and 30mph speed limits in Abingdon. This was a revised report, having been previously presented to and subsequently deferred by the Cabinet Member for Highway Management at the 17 November 2022 meeting.

The Chair invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to the points made in their statements.

The Chair reiterated the Council’s commitment to the benefits of active travel, the hierarchy of road users and road safety. The Council was committed to delivering the benefits of the 20 is plenty campaign. 

The Chair thanked bus services for their engagement with and responses to the consultation but was dismayed to have received a late submission on the morning of the meeting from the Oxford Bus Company. This submission expressed discontent with the proposed speed limits in Abingdon and stated that, if agreed, they would cause a reduction in bus services. The letter included a detailed list of service reductions that would ensue following adoption of this plan. 

The Chair expressed disappointment that they were asked to factor in this information hours before the decision was due to be made. Nevertheless, the submission was relevant for decision making. The Chair was mindful of putting the Council in a position which would subject it to negative consequences and associated publicity.

While the Chair did not question the expertise of the bus companies, they believed the bus companies’ submissions were lacking evidence.

The Chair felt it would be irresponsible to approve this proposal given the feedback from Oxford Bus Company and informed the meeting that he would defer a decision on this matter.

The conditions of this deferral were:

·       further serious engagement with bus companies

·       submission of evidence from bus companies so the decision could be made based on evidence

·       deferral to 23 March 2023 meeting.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management DEFERRED the proposed introduction of 20mph and 30mph speed limits in Abingdon as advertised, pending further discussions to assess the acceptability of reduced proposals that meet the needs of all parties.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/234

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 13).

Decision required on proposed 20mph speed limit.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Chilton.

Cllr Povolotksy agreed with the recommendation but asked why the link road had not been reduced from 40mph to 30mph. The Member also queried why the new parts of Chilton were not included in this proposal.

Officers explained that the 40mph reflected the open environment the road passed through and the function of enabling efficient progress in connecting the village to the A34 link road. This was officers’ judgement and would be kept under review.

Officers acknowledged that the new area of Chilton was not included in the proposals and would look into this.

The Chair agreed with officers’ responses to the objections but asked that the 40mph road and new Chilton be considered and kept under review.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/233

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 14).

Decision required on proposed 20mph and 30mph speed limits.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Cumnor and Farmoor and a 30mph speed limit on the B4044 Eynsham Road in Farmoor.

The Chair invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to the points made in their statements.

The Chair noted the detailed response from Thames Travel and asked how much difference a change of speed limit would make on the roads referred to. Officers explained that these roads represented a small area thus could not see speeds exceeding 20mph anyway.

The nature of the Thames Travel objection suggested that it should be considered carefully. Whilst the Chair was committed to the democratically agreed policy to promote 20mph speed limits in communities, it was not obvious whether the effect on bus companies justified changing or accepting the scheme and more evidence was needed before a decision could be made. Thus, the Chair informed the meeting that he would defer a decision on this matter.

The Chair informed the meeting that recommendation would be amended to read:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management agreed to DEFER a decision to approve the following proposals as advertised, pending further discussions to assess the acceptability of reduced proposals that meet the needs of all parties:

a)    20mph speed limit in Cumnor,

b)    20mph speed limit in Farmoor, and

c)    30mph speed limit on the B4044 Eynsham Road in Farmoor.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/232

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 15).

A decision is required on a proposed 20mph speed limit.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Faringdon, and the extension of the existing 50mph speed limit on the A4095 Radcot Road by 40 metres in order to help facilitate the 20mph proposals,

The Chair noted that Stagecoach and Thames Travel bus companies objected to recommendations and provided detailed responses. The Stagecoach submission was particularly comprehensive and merited close study. Generally, bus companies considered the proposals to be unduly extensive with safety benefits not equally achieved over the extent of the proposed order. Stagecoach advised that if 20mph limits were applied to other communities along the A420 corridor they would serve the notice to withdraw the service entirely from High Street Watchfield and the loop around Faringdon Town Centre.

The Chair thanked bus companies for their detailed response to the consultation but stated that evidence and data was lacking. The nature of the bus operators’ objections suggested that they should be considered carefully especially given the risk of a reduction in service. The Chair stressed the importance of improving road safety and encouraging greater use of active travel by reducing speeds but further discussion and provision of evidence from Bus Companies was needed before a decision could be made. Thus, the Chair informed the meeting that he would defer a decision on this matter.

The Chair informed the meeting that recommendation would be amended to read:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management agreed to DEFER a decision to approve the following proposals as advertised pending further discussions to assess the acceptability of reduced proposals that meet the needs of all parties:

a)    New 20mph speed limit for Faringdon, and

b)    Extended 50mph speed limit on the A4095 Radcot Road.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/202

Contact: Geoff Barrell, 20 Limit Project Manager.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 16).

Decision required on proposed 20mph speed limit.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Church Hanborough.

Cllr Liam Walker informed the meeting that they had undertaken an informal consultation with eight parishes across the division and confirmed that there was overall support of this scheme. 

The Chair noted some of the objections, but felt they were comparable to those expressed and considered in earlier similar schemes and were not seen as warranting a change in the proposals. The Chair suggested that some traffic calming measures may be considered where there is risk of people not observing the 20mph signs. The aim of reducing speed limits was to change drivers’ mindsets to make speeding socially unacceptable and make more environmentally friendly modes of travel more attractive.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/231

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 17).

A decision is required on a proposed 20mph speed limit.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph and 30 mph speed limits in Kidlington and Gosford & Water Eaton.

Cyclox supported the proposals but wanted to see a 20mph limit placed along the A4260 Oxford and Banbury roads. Four out of five online responses expressed support. The objector routinely objected to 20mph limits and raised no pertinent points and challenged the philosophy being the democratically agreed policy to promote 20mph speed limits in communities.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED as advertised the following proposals:

a)    20mph speed limit in Kidlington, and Gosford & Water Eaton,

b)    30mph speed limits on the A4260 Banbury Road & Oxford Road.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/230

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 18).

A decision is required on a proposed 20mph speed limit.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Kingston Lisle and Fawler.

The Chair invited speakers to address the meeting and responses to the points made in their statements.

The Parish Council had no objections but asked that the section of road between the main village and Fawler be reduced to 20mph rather than remain at 30mph. They also sought 30mph buffer limits on each approach.

Officers explained that the 30mph stretch of road had not been reduced to 20mph because there were no active frontages and they had tried to keep the speed appropriate for the area. Given the comments from the Parish Council, officers said they could review this as part of a phase 2 where they may also consider some additional calming measures due to the layout of the road.

Regarding the buffer zone, that had been considered at the outset of the Council’s 20mph project but it was concluded only to be necessary where it enhanced the effectiveness of the 20mph limits. Officers believed that, due to the rural environment, there was no strong reason or tangible benefit for introducing buffer zones.

The Chair acknowledged the points made by the Parish Council and suggested that they make a representation on those issues they wished to do so.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/229

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 19).

A decision is required on a proposed 20mph speed limit.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Milton Under Wychwood.

The Chair noted the responses in the report. A single objection was received, and this member of the public routinely objected to 20mph limits and raised no pertinent points and challenged the philosophy being the democratically agreed policy to promote 20mph speed limits in communities.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/244

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 20).

A decision is required on a proposed 20mph speed limit.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in North Hinksey.

The Chair invited speakers to address the meeting and responses to the points made in their statements.

The Chair highlighted some of the objections to the proposals which focused on the usual concerns. One objection raised no new pertinent points and others were comparable to those expressed and considered in earlier similar schemes.

The Chair reminded the meeting of the Council’s countywide programme of works that sought to deliver a safer place with a safer pace. Funding for these schemes was a budget decision taken by the Council to allocate resource to improve road safety i.e. the money allocated would not be otherwise available for other things.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED proposals for 20mph speed limits in North Hinksey as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/235

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 21).

Decision required on proposed 20mph speed limit.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of a 20mph speed limit along Oxford’s Binsey Lane

The Chair noted the high level of response to the consultation and agreed with officer responses to the objections to this scheme.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/245

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 22).

A decision is required on a proposed 20mph speed limit.

The report presents responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Shrivenham

The Chair noted that Stagecoach Bus Company objected to the proposals and submitted extensive and detailed comments regarding the locations where the proposals were likely to jeopardise their service viability. Stagecoach did consider a 20mph limit appropriate in most areas but stated that if the approach taken to applying 20mph limits in Shirvenham was as broadly pursued in Faringdon, Watchfield and Kingston Bagpuize then Stagecoach would serve notice to re-route. The Chair noted that the OCC Public Transport Development Team’s viewpoint aligned closely with that of Stagecoach.

The Chair reiterated the Council’s commitment to improving road safety but felt that the submission from Stagecoach needed further careful consideration.  The Chair felt that evidence was lacking from Stagecoach’s submission so thus was unable to make a decision. Further discussion was needed to with the bus operator and the local council and member. The Chair informed the meeting that he would defer a decision on this matter.

The Cabinet Member informed the meeting that recommendation would be amended to read:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management agreed to DEFER a decision to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Shrivenham as advertised pending further discussions to assess the acceptability of reduced proposals that meet the needs of all parties

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/246

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 23).

A decision is required on a proposed 20mph speed limit.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in South Leigh.

The Chair invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to the points made in their statements.

Cllr Dan Levy thanked officers for their work on the proposal and welcomed the 20mph zone. He felt it was vital to ensure the safety of residents and would enable them to walk, cycle, and drive safely. The Member stated that he would also welcome a review of the weight limits on those roads.

The Chair noted the objections received through the consultation, but they were not seen as warranting a change in the proposals given the clear intention of the County Council’s 20mph speed limit policy.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/228

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 24).

A decision is required on a proposed 20mph speed limit.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/226

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 25).

Forms part of Oxfordshire 20mph speed limit project.

The report presents responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Sparsholt and Westcot.

A single objection was received but raised no new pertinent points and challenged the philosophy behind the Council’s 20mph speed limits in communities.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits as advertised

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/225

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 26).

Forms part of Oxfordshire 20mph speed limit project.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed and 40mph in Steventon. The existing 20mph and 40mph speed limits on the b4017 high street were brought in due to ongoing structural issues with the bridge are proposed to be incorporated into the wider proposals as a permanent measure.

The Chair invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to the points made in their statements.

The Chair noted that the Oxford Bus Company objected to the proposals. Stagecoach did not operate services in Steventon but also suggested areas where they did not consider 20mph to be appropriate.

The objections and concerns from members of the public were comparable to those expressed and considered in earlier similar schemes and were not seen as warranting a change in those previous proposals. However, the nature of the bus companies’ objections and concerns needed to be considered carefully. The Chair also felt that evidence from the bus companies’ submissions was lacking and thus a decision could not be made. The Chair informed the meeting that he would defer a decision on this matter.

The Cabinet Member informed the meeting that recommendation would be amended to read:

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management AGREED to defer a decision to approve the following proposals as advertised pending further discussions to assess the acceptability of reduced proposals that meet the needs of all parties:

a)    Village wide 20mph speed limit, and

b)    40mph on the B4017 High Street

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/227

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 27).

Forms part of Oxfordshire 20mph speed limit project.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Stratton Audley.

The Chair considered this a good scheme that applied county policy in a sensible and proportionate way and agreed with officer responses to objections received in the consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits as advertised.