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).

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2023 to be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Cllr Andrew Gant approved the minutes of the meeting from 23rd February 2023, subject to the following amendment (italicised):

38/23 ABINGDON – PROPOSED 20MPH AND 30MPH SPEED LIMITS

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.

Cllr Gant explained that the deferrals from the previous meeting on 23^rd February 2023 would be considered for decision at the next meeting on 27^th April 2023.

Cabinet Member: Highway Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/134

Contact: Odele Parsons, Senior Transport Planner.

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM 5).

To seek approval of the Witney Local Cycling and Walking Plan.

This report presented the strategic Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) produced for Witney. The LCWIP identified a network of walking and cycling routes in and around Witney (including potential future routes) and set out high level proposals for improvements to the walking and cycling infrastructure which made up this network. These infrastructure improvements were intended for development over a ten-year period to 2033 and would help to enable modal shift from private vehicle use to active and sustainable modes of travel. The LCWIP was also well aligned with the County Council’s nine priorities as outlined in its 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.

Cllr Dan Levy spoke in support of the approval of the Witney LCWIP.

Noting that the active travel tranche 3 scheme intended to improve the public realm to make the High Street a more accessible, pleasant environment for people to walk, cycle and spend time, Cllr Levy enquired as to whether any of the policies in the LCWIP could be delivered through that scheme. 

The Senior Transport Planner responded that the High Street and Market Square schemes had similar objectives and the pertaining active travel schemes were likely to be within the first of the LCWIP schemes to be delivered.

The Chair welcomed the report and thanked officers, in particular Odele Parsons, Senior Transport Planner, for the work that had gone into this proposal. The Chair felt the plan was extremely thorough and an excellent example of coproduction and constructive local engagement in the design of a scheme. The plan was also clearly aligned to the introduction of 20mph speed limits across Witney.

The Chair was pleased to note the reference to walking and wheeling in the report, reflecting the Council’s commitment to making networks accessible for all.

The Chair also welcomed the inclusion of cycle parking in the report.

The Chair noted and addressed responses to the consultation.

A number of respondents took the view that funding for the plan could be better spent on other areas. The Chair’s response was that the Council’s policy of bringing forward LCWIPs facilitated access to funding opportunities from a variety of sources, including government grants, for schemes that delivered on national priorities such as increased walking and cycling.

The Chair invited officers to address the potential loss of vegetation and green space that may result from implementation of some proposals. Officers explained that the plan would avoid using green space where possible, but as each individual scheme was designed some grass verges may be lost to accommodate widened paths and other infrastructure. The loss of vegetation would be considered as a last resort and weighed against the benefits from increased active travel over motor vehicle use. Each scheme would undergo consultation and a Climate Impact Assessment and opportunities to increase vegetation or plant trees would be sought. Some schemes would also improve and increase access to green  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58/22

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/018

Contact: Lee Turner, Principal Engineer, Traffic and Road Safety.

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

To consider proposed amendments to parking places and the permanent prohibition of vehicles.

The report presented responses received to a consultation on an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order which came into effect on 3 January 2022. This Order continued on an experimental basis the provisions of Covid related Temporary Traffic Regulation Order which suspended waiting and parking places at the Western end of Market Place, the southern end of Alfred Street, and the northern end of Church Street in Wantage. The Order also prohibited the use of these parts of the above roads by all vehicles.

The aim of the Wantage Town Council promoted scheme was to provide outdoor seating and facilitate environmental improvement for the benefit of pedestrians, including customers of adjacent businesses. The temporary closure was implemented with planters and barriers.

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

Bill Falkenau, Clerk of Wantage Town Council delivered his written statement, which was subsequently endorsed by Cllr Jenny Hannaby.

It was noted that 43 objections and 44 concerns were received from members of the public, broadly relating to seven main issues which are highlighted in the report. The Chair stated the importance of officers taking objections into consideration but did agree with their responses to the concerns raised.

Officers assured the meeting that they had worked hard to develop robust proposals for Wantage.

The Chair thanked all consultation respondents.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the permanent prohibition of vehicles and removal of parking places from the western end of the Market Place, continuing to utilise temporary planters and barriers, pending technical approval by the County Council of Wantage Town Council’s consultant’s permanent scheme design and subsequent construction works. 

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/144

Contact: Mike Wasley, Principal Officer – Traffic and Road Safety Team (North).

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

To consider proposed traffic calming measures.

The report presented the responses received to a statutory consultation on traffic proposals comprising of the introduction of traffic calming features in the form of speed cushions and hump in The Leys, Witney. The proposals were put forward by the Witney Town Council to address anti-social behaviour, particularly in the form of vehicles speed over this short distance.

The Chair noted that this proposal had been promoted by the town council and was an excellent example of input from people with detailed local insight. 

The overriding objections to this scheme came from residents of Witney many of whom were not local to the scheme. Their objections were that traffic calming was not necessary and a waste of money. It could be surmised that they did not experience the anti-social behaviour because they did not live close to the Leys.

These concerns, along with the 59% of objections raised, were taken back to Witney Town Council which subsequently undertook a second informal consultation. Responses were taken to the Town Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee with 67.5% of respondents in favour of traffic calming. The responses and comments from Witney Town Council and the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee further supported the introduction of the traffic calming measures.

The Chair commented that this was an extremely comprehensive and detailed report.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed traffic calming features as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/016

Contact: James Wright , Technical Officer Traffic and Road Safety Team.

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

To consider proposed zebra crossing at the B4022 The Slade and an extension of the 30mph speed limit on the B4026 Spelsbury Road.

The report presented responses received to a statutory consultation on traffic proposals comprising an extension of the existing 30mph speed limit on the B4026 Pound Hill/Charlbury Road northwards to beyond the access to the camping and caravan site, replacing the existing 40mph speed limit in the process. This aspect superseded the proposed extended limit, which was previously consulted on in May 2022, and sought to improve road safety for vulnerable road-users, specifically the pedestrians walking to and from the camp site, bringing forward changes suggested over some years by local residents in the town. Additionally, a zebra crossing was also proposed for The Slade, which sought to improve road safety by assisting vulnerable pedestrians cross the carriageway in the vicinity of the Charlbury Primary School.

The Chair noted and addressed responses to the consultation.

Thames Valley Police felt that changes to the highway, for example through narrowing and providing vertical traffic calming or realigning the road, may be required to encourage lower speeds in addition to any change in the speed limit. The Cabinet Member queried whether those suggestions had been considered by officers to which the reply was affirmative.

The objections received stated that the proposed changes were unnecessary – citing a lack of need, potential impacts on journey times, the low number of accidents in the area, and the increase presence of road signage.

The Chair strongly believed in the 20mph policy improving road safety for residents. The proposal was aimed to make the roads safer, encourage residents and visitors to the nearby campsite to, to walk or cycle, and reduce noise pollution.

The zebra crossing would facilitate safer crossing for young pedestrians attending the local school and vulnerable road users and signing and other measures would be sympathetically applied.

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

a)    The extension of the existing 30mph speed limit on the B4026 Pound Hill/Charlbury Road northwards to beyond the access to the Camping & Caravan site, and

b)    a zebra crossing (a crossing for pedestrian use only) on The Slade, in the vicinity of the Charlbury Primary School.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/013

Contact: Lee Turner, Principal Engineer, Traffic and Road Safety.

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

To consider proposed traffic calming measures and extension of 30mph speed limit.

The report presented responses to a consultation on a proposal to extend the existing 30mph speed limit and introduce a new traffic calming measure on B4016 Drayton Road, Sutton Courtenay.

The aim of the proposed schemes was to address the concerns raised by Sutton Courtenay Parish Council on the speed of vehicles entering and travelling through the village. The proposal comprised of an extension of the existing 30mph speed limit, and new chicane at approximately 20 metres and 40 metres west of the access to No.9 Drayton Road.

The Chair commented that this was a straight forward scheme and a good example of effective engagement with locally elected representatives. 

The Chair highlighted the consultation response from Stagecoach Bus Company which raised its concern that the proposed distance between the chicanes would make navigation through the features a struggle for larger vehicles such as buses.

Officers explained that the traffic calming measures were trialled on-site with a temporary chicane at the proposed location. Video evidence raised no issues regarding large vehicles navigating through the proposed chicanes with the proposed dimensions and distances.

The Chair thanked respondent seven for their detailed response to the consultation and noted that they, a local resident, had undertaken detailed local analysis which found improvements in speed and safety and noise pollution. Overall, the consultation responses had provided detailed, local insight.

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

a)    The extension of the existing 30mph speed limit on the B4016 Drayton Road, Sutton Courtenay westwards by approximately 70 metres, and

b)   a new kerbed traffic calming chicane on the B4016 Drayton Road (with buildouts) to be located approximately 20 metres & 40 metres west of the access to No. 9 Drayton Road.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/017

Contact: Lee Turner , Principal Engineer, Traffic and Road Safety.

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

To consider proposed 40mph speed limits.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on a proposal to introduce a 40mph speed limit at Buckland Marsh. The restriction was requested by the County Councillor and Parish Council.

The Cabinet Member felt that this proposal was a good example of a non-residential road with not many active frontages meeting the criteria for a 40mph schemes. 

The Cabinet Member addressed the four responses to the consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of a 40mph speed limit at Buckland Marsh as advertised.

Meeting adjourned for 7 minutes.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/209

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Developer Schemes Coordinator and 20 Limits Project Manager.

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

To consider proposed 20mph and 50mph speed limits.

Prior to the consideration of Benson: proposed 20mph and 50mph speed limits, the Chair invited Danny Yee (Oxfordshire liveable Streets), to address the meeting. His contribution did not pertain to a specific item rather it was a general statement in support of 20mph speed limits across Oxfordshire.

The Chair thanked Danny Yee for his contribution and gave assurance that other schemes (as per the submission) were actively under consideration albeit timings and budgets were both complicating factors and impacted by other factors. The Chair stated that the Council was committed to delivering the 20mph policy across the county.

The Chair reminded the meeting that the Council was grateful to its bus company partners for their continued engagement. Bus companies were clear where they saw reduction in speed limits impacting their service and reliability, and the Council, as the highways authority, had the job of delivering both priorities (road safety and bus services) to improve both active travel and public transport.

The Benson: proposed 20mph and 50mph speed limits report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph and 50mph speed limits in Benson.

The Chair addressed the responses received to the consultation.

Bus companies raised concerns rather than objections. The Chair highlighted the comment from Stagecoach regarding Edge Road and requested that officers take this into consideration

Officers explained that the centre of Benson, where the bus company’s main reservations lay, was paradoxically where implementation of the 20mph speed limit was most important. Achieving 30mph through the site was unlikely at most times anyway due to speeds being compromised by traffic, thus officers believed that the concerns raised did not justify amending the proposals.

A number of respondents queried why the village of Preston Crowmarsh was not included in the proposals. Officers had omitted the village in error and a 20mph limit scheme would be promoted over the coming few months. 

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

a)    New 20mph speed limit throughout Benson, replacing the majority of the existing 30mph speed limit, and

b)    a new 50mph speed limit will on the westerly unnamed road to Rokemarsh, from its junction with the B4009 The Sands northwards for a distance of 195 metres.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/011

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Developer Schemes Coordinator and 20 Limits Project Manager.

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

To consider proposed 20mph speed limits.

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

The Chair noted and addressed responses received to the consultation.

Whilst there was overwhelming support for the extension of the 20mph on the Woodstock Road, a number of respondents believed that the steep gradient on the Slade dip would create problems with a 20mph limit.

Officers acknowledged these as being reasonable concerns but felt that, on balance, the proposals as published offered the best solutions. They would monitor and review how the proposals worked in practice.

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

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/010

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Developer Schemes Coordinator and 20 Limits Project Manager.

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

To consider proposed 20mph and 50mph speed limits.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in North Aston, and a new 50mph speed limit on the A4260 Oxford Road between Deddington and North Aston.

Officers confirmed that 50 mph proposals would be funded separately from the Council’s Accessibility Road Safety Fund.

Officers would continue to review speeds within this area in light of the consultation response received from North Aston Parish, which supported the 20mph limit as suggested but wished for a 40mph limit from the Duns Tew Crossroads and into North Aston. The Chair encouraged the Parish Council to keep in touch with officers regarding the proposal

The Chair concluded that the responses showed clear support for both the 20mph and 50mph speed limit proposals. The strong call for a lower limit on the connecting road from the A4260 was a predominately rural area without any specific mitigating factors to support a lower speed limit but would be kept under review by officers. The Chair encouraged locals to engage with the Council regarding how the proposals performed in practice.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph and 50mph speed limits in North Aston as advertised

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/012

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Developer Schemes Coordinator and 20 Limits Project Manager.

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

To consider proposed 20mph speed limits.

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

The Chair noted that the Parish Council was in full support of the proposals. One concern and one objection were received, namely the enforceability of the proposals and undue sign clutter, respectively. Officers confirmed that signage would be replaced like for like.

The Chair felt that the scheme would improve road safety and encourage greater use of active travel by reducing speeds.

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

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/026

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Developer Schemes Coordinator and 20 Limits Project Manager.

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

To consider proposed 20mph speed limits.

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

The Chair invited the speaker to address the meeting and then addressed points made in the written submissions received.

The Chair thanked the speaker for his considered contribution. In response, the Chair stated that the Council’s 20mph policy was about enhancing road safety and believed that driving through a small village at 20mph was safe and would enable traffic to flow properly. The Chair agreed that ongoing discussion regarding the interface between 20mph limits and public transport was vital and the Council was dedicating time and effort into working with its partners on such proposals. The Council’s ambition of reducing car journeys was ambitious but vital nonetheless due to the number of car journeys surpassing the capacity of road networks.

Officers confirmed that they were working with bus companies and freight providers and discussing reprofiling of local businesses’ delivery schedules with Better Business. The scheme would be monitored and kept under review to ensure that the system worked for everyone.

The Cabinet Member felt that the scheme would improve road safety and encourage greater use of active travel by reducing speeds. Officers reiterated that objections and concerns raised had been considered and all schemes would be monitored and kept under review.

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

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/023

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Developer Schemes Coordinator and 20 Limits Project Manager.

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

To consider proposed 20mph speed limits.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Watlington, including Christmas Common.

The Cabinet Member address the consultation responses and invited officers to remark on some of the objections received.

Harmans Way would form part of Watlington Edge Road and was designed at 30mph to encourage used of the bypass for through traffic which made up a high percentage of the flow. The Chair welcomed proposals that would liberate historic market squares from through-traffic.

The Chair highlighted the concerns raised from the Local Councillor and local residents and welcomed their detailed responses. Officers reassured the meeting that any implemented proposals would be kept under review.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits, but with the amendments in Britwell Road as outlined in paragraphs 11 and 12 of the report.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/019

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Developer Schemes Coordinator and 20 Limits Project Manager.

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

To consider proposed 20mph speed limits.

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

The Chair noted and addressed the responses to the consultation.

Five online responses were received from members of the public, with three in support and two voicing objections. Both objections centred around the principle of the 20mph initiative with claims it is ineffective and undemocratic.

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

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/022

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Developer Schemes Coordinator and 20 Limits Project Manager.

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

To consider proposed 20mph speed limits.

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

The Chair invited Cllr Povolotsky to address the meeting.

Five online responses were received from members of the public with three in support, and two raising objections. Both objections centred around the principle of the 20mph initiative with claims it was ineffective and undemocratic.

The Chair reminded the meeting that these schemes formed part of a countywide programme of works that sought to improve road safety and encourage use of active travel. The objections received 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: 2022/205

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Developer Schemes Coordinator and 20 Limits Project Manager.

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

To consider proposed 20mph speed limits.

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

The Chair invited Cllr Povolotsky to address the meeting.

The Chair shared Cllr Povolotsky’s concern regarding parents parking outside the school in the area instead of using the village hall carpark which was made available to them. This issue was raised in a response to the consultation in which safety during school drop off was described as “terrible”.

The Chair agreed that ongoing discussions with Speedwatch and bus companies was key.

The Chair addressed respondent six, a local resident, reiterating his commitment to Vision Zero.

The objection and concerns raised by bus companies reflected their view that reduced speed limits compromise service viability and may lead to modal shift away from buses. Officers felt that there were no immediate threats to services but recent discussions with Oxford Bus Company regarding proposals for reduced limits in Abingdon suggested their concerns over the A338 proposals should be considered seriously. The Chair thanked bus companies for their responses.

The Chair reassured the meeting that the interface between the 20mph policy and the objectives and priorities of bus companies were very carefully considered. The Chair approved of officers’ judgements with regard to this scheme and felt that the proposals were appropriate and workable.  Partners were encouraged to keep in touch regarding how the scheme performed in practice.

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

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/021

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Developer Schemes Coordinator and 20 Limits Project Manager.

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

To consider proposed 20mph speed limits.

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

The Chair noted that Thames Travel Bus Company objected to the introduction of 20mph speed limits on the B471 Oxford Road and on the Reading Road from the east of the village to its junction with Greenmore, citing the lack of active frontages on these sections. The bus company was concerned that this would encourage or lead to frequent and planned mixing between vulnerable road users and motorised traffic and that maintaining the 30mph limit would provide a buffer between the national speed limit and the 20mph limit.

Given its rural location just off the A4074 and the distances involved on the Oxford – Wallingford – Woodcote – Reading corridor, Thames Travel Bus Company believed it unlikely that cycling and walking would constitute significant mode share for journeys on this corridor. Thus, the Council should be seeking to maximise support for public transport on this corridor to help achieve decarbonisation aims.

The Chair felt that the bus company’s submission warranted further consideration and wished to defer decision on this item ideally to the 27 April 2023 meeting.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management agreed to DEFER a decision on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits so that officers could conduct further conversations and engagement with bus companies.