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

Cllr Mark Cherry

Question

Can the Cabinet Member for Highways Management note the current petition by a resident of 59 Edmonds Road regarding on-parking issues in the Banbury Ruscote locality. Furthermore, seek to undertake a survey with relevant parking officers on Oxfordshire County Council to look to resolve parking problems in Bretch Hill Estate and roads like Dover Avenue and Prescott Close in liaison with local residents, and possible site visit in the near future.

Answer

I understand that officers are in discussions regarding this issue with Cllr Cherry and are in the process of organising a site visit with him. However, this will be to assess whether any on-road parking could be added as the off-highway parking would fall under Cherwell District Council and Sanctuary authority to coordinate.

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve making permanent the provisions of the current experimental traffic regulation orders allowing e-scooters as approved by the current Department for Transport trial to be treated as pedal cyclists in respect of bus lanes and other traffic restrictions within the Oxford area.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management, Cllr Gant, considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment & Place, recommending approval to making permanent the provisions of the current Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders allowing e-scooters, as approved by the current Department for Transport trial, to be treated as pedal cyclists in respect of bus lanes and other traffic restrictions within the Oxford area

The Chair noted that a detailed written representation had been received  from Mr David Deriaz, Vice-Chairman, of Oxfordshire Transport & Access Group (OXTRAG) in response to the proposals, and that a significant number of comments had been received during the public consultation on the proposals.

The Chair then asked officers for clarification on some of the points raised in the written representations by Mr Deriaz. Having heard the officer’s responses, including answers to questions about enforcement measures using a “3-strikes” rule; the rationale for the proposed speed limit; and consultation with the Oxfordshire Association for the Blind, Cllr Gant noted that several concerns raised during the consultation process had since been addressed by officers.

Specifically, Cllr Gant referred to Paragraph 5 of the report in which it was noted that the proposals set out in the report had been discussed with the “Inclusive Transport and Movement Focus Group” facilitated by Oxford City Council, and he thanked the City Council for facilitating this Group and for the Group’s contribution to the scheme.

Regarding the recommendations set out in the report, the Chair stated he wished to add a recommendation to the effect that officers continue to work closely with stakeholder groups, including the Oxfordshire Association for the Blind. He also asked that officers look at the following points –

(i)    Hours of Operation: the proposed “stop” time of 10 PM and the limits this placed on people wishing to use e-scooters on a night out; and

(ii)   The size of the e-scooter fleet and the availability of e-scooters for persons wishing to use them.

The Chair noted that, as this had been a trial scheme, it was necessary to decide whether to extend the Experimental Road Traffic Order (ERTO) or make the ERTO permanent (subject to the scheme being kept under review), at the conclusion of the trial period.

In reaching his decision, the Chair stated he had noted the statistics set out in the report regarding the reduction in the number of car journeys because of the introduction of the trial e-scooter scheme, and the increased choice of mode of transport offered by the scheme, which was in line with the County Council’s transport objectives.

RESOLVED: To approve the report’s recommendations subject to officers keeping the following matters under review –

(i)    Hours of Operation: the proposed “stop” time of 10 PM and the limits this placed on people wishing to use e-scooters on a night out; and

(ii)   The size of the e-scooter fleet and the availability of e-scooters for persons wishing to use them.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………

Dated  …………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve:

a.     As advertised the proposed ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions at the following locations:

b.     That Officers undertake an additional ‘local’ consultation with residents for amendments on Dryden Avenuefollowing a request from the Cllr responsible for the Bicester West division.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management, Cllr Gant, considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment & Place, recommending approval to -

a.     As advertised, the proposed “No Waiting at Any Time” restrictions at the following locations:

b.     That Officers undertake an additional “local” consultation with residents for amendments on Dryden Avenue following a request from the Cllr responsible for the Bicester West division.

Having heard a presentation by Ms Devi Lingam, local resident, the Chair asked officers to address points raised by Ms Lingam in her presentation including the single yellow line indicated in the Plan attached to the report, and the proposal set out in Paragraph 23 of the report where it was stated that “Additional residents parking/permit holder bays could be considered by the Parking Team as part of a future review”.

Having heard the officer’s response to the points raised by Ms Lingam, the Chair asked a few more detailed questions regarding the rationale behind the scheme which was in response to a predicted increase in the amount of traffic in the area and measures to keep residential streets safe. In response, officers noted that the proposed restrictions set out in the scheme reflected parking provisions in the Highway Code in areas where it was recommended that there should be no and/or restricted parking. It was noted that there were some areas where it might be appropriate to defer deciding on the recommendations until further clarification had been sought.

The Chair then referred to an objection to the proposals set out on Page 111 of the report (response number (8) to the consultation). Officers noted that the consultee could apply for Private Access Protection Road Markings[1] (an “H Bar”) to protect private access to their home.

In conclusion, the Chair thanked Members and officers for their work in carrying out the consultation and preparing the report.

RESOLVED: To approve the report’s recommendations subject to the proposals in relation to Victoria Road being deferred until such time as officers had reviewed objections to the proposals that had been received in response to the public consultation.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………

Dated  …………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve as advertised the proposed 40mph speed limits on Fringford Road and Aunt Ems Lane.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management, Cllr Gant, considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment & Place, recommending approval, as advertised, of the proposed 40mph speed limits on Fringford Road and Aunt Ems Lane.

The Chair stated that, in his opinion, this was a sensible and well-argued proposal which had received the support of most of the consultees who had responded to the consultation. Of those persons who had objected to the proposals, they had done so on similar grounds i.e. speed limits, but for different and opposing reasons. Therefore, he was satisfied that it was appropriate to approve the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED: To approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………

Dated  …………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve as advertised the 20mph speed limit at Combe.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management, Cllr Gant, considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment & Place, recommending approval, as advertised, of a 20mph speed limit at Combe.

The Chair heard representations from Cllr Andy Graham in support of the proposals noting that the proposals were in line with the County Council’s policy of introducing 20 mph restrictions for safety reasons.

The Chair then heard a brief presentation by Combe Parish Councillor, Alan Revell, in support of the proposals and summarising the work that had been carried out by Combe Parish Council in consulting on the proposals. At the conclusion of the presentation, Cllr Gant thanked Combe Parish Council for its contribution to, and support for, the proposals.

Cllr Gant then referred to the objection to the proposals by Thames Valley Police as set out on Page 144 of the report. Specifically, he referred to Paragraph 3 of the objection where it was stated that –

“There is a proven link between road environment/character and drivers’ speed. Drivers must respect the need for a speed limit. If it is not accepted as realistic it will quickly be abused and be the source of constant demands for police action.”

He stated that he understood the reasons for the objection by the Police. However, he was of the view that this was not a sufficient reason to reject the speed limit that the Council wished to impose. Furthermore, citizens had to be trusted to obey the law and to understand the reasons for the speed limit.

RESOLVED: To approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………

Dated  …………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve as advertised the proposed no waiting at any time restrictions at the B4493 Wantage Road at Didcot.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management, Cllr Gant, considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment & Place, recommending approval, as advertised, to the proposed no waiting at any time restrictions at the B4493 Wantage Road at Didcot.

The Chair noted that the purpose of the proposals was to make the cycle lane safer for users. He referred to two objections to the proposals which had, as their basis, the fact that not all cyclists used the cycle lane. In response to the objections, Cllr Gant stated that it was the Council’s policy to promote the use of cycle lanes and, in so doing, it was necessary to provide a safe and convenient infrastructure that kept cycle lanes free of other traffic.

Referring to the detailed comments in Response Number (11) to the consultation set out on Page 154 of the report, officers stated they could look at the proposals in the comments in relation to yellow lines and, if the comments were accepted, officers could implement the proposals without a requirement that they report back.

Cllr Gant stated he would be willing to add the officer’s proposal to the recommendation set out in the report.

Cllr Gant then drew attention to Paragraph 2 of the report which set out the rationale for the proposals, viz.

“[To] facilitate the safe and convenient use by cyclists, including that part of the road where a stepped cycle track has recently been constructed”.

He stated it was his view that this was sufficient justification for approving the proposals.

RESOLVED: To approve the report’s recommendations subject to officers further reviewing the comments set out in Response Number (11) as set out in Annex 2 of the report.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………

Dated  …………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

1.     The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve as advertised:

a)    the extension of the existing time limited waiting outside Nos.1 & 2 Market Place and outside Nos. 6-7a to also be in effect on Saturdays, with the corresponding limited waiting restrictions being amended to exclude Saturdays.

2.     The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to not approve as advertised:

b)    the introduction of No Loading/Unloading 10am-2pm Tuesday & Saturday’ restrictions on the northern side of Market Place outside Nos. 22-24 & ‘The Old Crown Coaching Inn’, and on the southern side in the bus stand and the area outside the Old Town Hall.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management, Cllr Gant, considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment & Place, in which –

1.     The Cabinet Member for Highway Management was RECOMMENDED to approve, as advertised:

(a)  The extension of the existing time limited waiting outside Nos.1 & 2 Market Place, and outside Nos. 6-7a to be in effect also on Saturdays, with the corresponding limited waiting restrictions being amended to exclude Saturdays.

2.     The Cabinet Member for Highway Management was RECOMMENDED to not approve, as advertised:

(b)  The introduction of “No Loading/Unloading 10am-2pm Tuesday & Saturday” restrictions on the northern side of Market Place outside Nos. 22-24 & “The Old Crown Coaching Inn”, and on the southern side in the bus stand and the area outside the Old Town Hall.

The Chair noted there were two opposing recommendations set out in the report. The first recommendations was to approve an extension of time limited waiting restrictions as advertised. The second recommendation was to not approve loading/unloading restrictions as advertised, for the reasons set out in the report.

Cllr Gant noted that no written representations had been received on the proposals and there had been no requests to speak on the report and/or its recommendations. He stated he was satisfied with the reasons set out in the report supporting the recommendations.

RESOLVED: To approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………

Dated  …………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

1.     The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve as advertised:

a.     The proposed 20mph speed limit at The Bartons,

b.     The proposed 30mph ‘buffer’ speed limit at the B4030 Enstone/Middle Barton Road,

c.     The proposed 40mph ‘buffer’ speed limit at B4030 North Street, and Duns Tew Road,

d.     The proposed 50mph speed limit on the B4030 between Enstone & Hopcrofts Holt, replacing the existing sections of 60mph National Speed Limit which are not affected by the above proposals for buffer speed limits,

e.     The traffic calming features on the B4030 Enstone/Middle Barton Road at the western end of the village, outside the Rectory at St Edwards Church, and at the bridge over the River Dorn.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management, Cllr Gant, considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment & Place, recommending approval, as advertised:

a.     The proposed 20mph speed limit at The Bartons;

b.     The proposed 30mph “buffer” speed limit at the B4030 Enstone/Middle Barton Road;

c.     The proposed 40mph “buffer” speed limit at B4030 North Street, and Duns Tew Road;

d.     The proposed 50mph speed limit on the B4030 between Enstone & Hopcrofts Holt, replacing the existing sections of 60mph National Speed Limit which are not affected by the above proposals for buffer speed limits; and

e.     The traffic calming features on the B4030 Enstone/Middle Barton Road at the western end of the village, outside the Rectory at St Edwards Church, and at the bridge over the River Dorn.

Having heard a presentation in support of the proposals by Cllr Andy Graham, Cllr Gant stated he wished to address two points made by His Honour, Judge Charles Harris,QC in his written representations, as follows –

(i)    Where Judge Harris stated –

“Most accidents are caused by inattention, not speed, and the slower vehicles go the less is the perceived need to concentrate.”

Cllr Gant stated that he did not know what statistical data there may be on the correlation between accidents caused by inattention and those caused by speed. However, he was satisfied that most, if not all, accidents were made worse the faster the vehicle or vehicles were travelling. In addition, there was significant statistical data on the distance and time it took a vehicle to stop the faster it was travelling, and the incidence of serious injury and death as a result. Therefore, respectfully, he did not agree with the point made by Judge Harris.

(ii)   However, he did agree with Judge Harris when he stated –

“[One] of the factors we in The Bartons have always had in mind was a reluctance to see a rash of suburbanising signs … The proliferation of signs has a most unhappy effect…”.

Although, not related to issues of speed, as a County with a lot of  historic towns and villages, it was important to be aware of the nature of signage and to ensure that this did not detract from the beauty and character of these towns and villages. In response, officers stated there was a working group which was reviewing the requirement for, and consistency of road sign design, in heritage areas.

Cllr Gant, confirming his support for the proposals, referred to Paragraph 14 of the report where it was stated that –

“The Parish Council have conducted local surveys and the results state… ‘We conducted our initial village survey, which included a leaflet drop into every household within both parishes and a public meeting open to all, outlining the proposed measures, and there was an 80% majority of the respondents broadly in support of the traffic calming initiatives. As we serve as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10/22

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

1.     The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to

a.     Approve as advertised the proposed no waiting at any time restrictions on the A329 Thame Road Warborough.

b.     Commit Officers to review the restrictions 12 months following implementation.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management, Cllr Gant, considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment & Place, recommending approval, as advertised, of the proposals:

a.     To “No Waiting at Any Time” restrictions on the A329 Thame Road Warborough; and

b.     To commit officers to reviewing the restrictions 12 months following implementation.

In considering the report’s recommendations, Cllr Gant noted that Response Number (3) to the consultation (Page 192 of the report) gave detailed reasons as to why the proposals should be deferred until such time as the operation of the proposed car park as a drop-off and pickup point for the local school could be assessed.

Cllr Gant stated he concurred with the proposal that the scheme be deferred until such time as an assessment of the use of the car park could take place which would then determine whether the proposed scheme was necessary.

In response, officers proposed it would be possible to defer the proposals relating to the “No Waiting at Any Time” restriction while proceeding to implement the “Keep Clear” proposals in relation to the school. It was noted that the proposed restrictions were a provisional requirement of the planning consent, subject to review to determine whether the restrictions were necessary, for the new residential development off Thame Road in Warborough.

Cllr Gant stated that he would approve the recommendations on the basis that the restrictions would not be implemented unless there was an identified need to do so and following a further consultation with the Parish Council following its objection to the scheme. In so doing, he noted that the proposals would keep traffic away from the school gates which was one of the Council’s stated key objectives.

RESOLVED: To –

1.     Approve the report’s recommendations; and

2.     That officers be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Chair, to implement the scheme’s proposals subject to there being an identified need to introduce the restrictions following –

(a)  A review of the operation of the car park as a drop-off and pickup point for the local school; and

(b)  After further consultation, as might be required, with the local Parish Council.

Before closing the meeting, Cllr Gant thanked officers for their work in producing the reports that were before him today, noting that the recommendations were the result of collaborative working by Councillors at all levels including County, District, Town and Parish Councils, and Members of the Public.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………

Dated  …………………………………………………………………………

The meeting ended at 10:50 AM.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Highway Management

Date of Signing ………………………………………………………………