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 none.

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:

The Chair stated that his job title had changed and any references in the agenda to the previous title of Cabinet Member for Highway Management should be read as Cabinet Member for Transport Management.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2023 to be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management APPROVED the minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2023 subject to all references to Cabinet Member for Highway Management be changed to Cabinet Member for Transport Management.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/273

Contact: Mike Wasley, Principal Engineer, mike.wasley@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM5).

A decision is sought on a proposed prohibition of motor vehicles.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the following as advertised:

a.     ‘Prohibition of Motor Vehicles’ gate on the unnamed road running through Little Chesterton at the point of the proposed speed 20mph limit change.

The report presented responses to the statutory consultation on the proposed ‘Prohibition of Motor Vehicles’ gate on the unnamed road running through Little Chesterton at the point of the proposed speed 20mph limit change.

Councillor Ian Corkin addressed the meeting and spoke in favour of the proposal.

The Chair asked officers to elaborate on how the gate would enable access to emergency vehicles. Officers explained that the only exemptions would be emergency services and removable bollards would potentially be the best solution for emergency vehicle access. The details of the proposal were yet to be established.

The Chair highlighted paragraph 16 of the report which stated that emergency services were based in Bicester and their quickest route to Little Chesterton would still be via Chesterton village itself.

The Chair requested that officers reviewed the most effective physical barrier at the closure point to achieve the objectives of the report.

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

a.     ‘Prohibition of Motor Vehicles’ gate on the unnamed road running through Little Chesterton at the point of the proposed speed 20mph limit change.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/072

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM6).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Lyneham as advertised.

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

The Chair drew attention to an error on the agenda front sheet regarding the item title which should be “Lyneham – proposed 20mph speed limits” and not “Lyneham – proposed 20mph speed limits and associated buffers”.

The Chair read out a written statement from Peter Frost, Chair of Lyneham Parish Meeting who was in favour of the proposal.

The Chair commented that the item was deferred from the last meeting to obtain clarity from Lyneham Parish Meeting as to their position on the proposal and thanked them for their written statement of support.

The Chair noted that on page 29 of the report, respondent 2 was Lyneham Parish Meeting not Lyneham Parish Council.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Lyneham as amended from the advertised proposals to now exclude the through road in accordance with community wishes.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/197

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM7).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Upper Heyford as advertised.

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

The Chair commented that the proposal was a very clear application of the Councils’ policy.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Upper Heyford as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/192

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM8).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Tiddington as advertised.

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

Councillor Tim Bearder addressed the meeting and spoke in favour of the proposal but would like the 20mph speed limit extended to include the A418. This mirrored the views of the Parish Council.

The Chair asked officers to elaborate on their comments in the report regarding the Parish Councils request to reduce the speed limit on the A40 through Milton Common. Officers informed the Chair that there may be a case to reduce the speed limit, but any proposal would have to re-consulted on.

Officers explained to the Chair that the bus companies would most likely object to a proposed 20mph speed limit on the A418.  Houses were mainly set back from the road and it was a major arterial, strategic road. Officers said they would recommend that the speed limit stayed at 30mph as recommended in the report.

The Chair discussed with officers deferring the current proposal and re-consulting to include the reduction of speed limits on the A418 and possibly the A40 through Milton Common. Officers pointed out that deferring could save on signing costs if the speed limits were extended.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management DEFERRED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Tiddington as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/157

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM9).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Tackley as advertised.

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

Richard Holland-Oakes, Tackley Parish Council addressed the meeting and supported the proposal but felt that the 20mph speed limit should be extended to include Church Hill on the south-western approach to the village.

Councillor Andy Graham addressed the meeting and supported the view of the Parish Council.

Officers commented that Church Hill did not have a bad accident record and reiterated the comments in paragraph 11 of the report; the area was predominantly rural and a 20mph limit on Church Hill would dilute the effect within the village and remove the potential of a strong gateway feature at the entrance to the main village.

The Chair asked that officers continue an active discussion on the speed limit on Church Hill and requested to see in writing the response from the bus companies.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Tackley as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/181

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM10).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Ramsden as advertised.

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

The Chair commented that this proposal was a clear application of the Council’s policy.

The Chair asked officers to comment on the response from Ramsden Parish Council requesting an extension of the 20mph zone on to Skippet Lane.

Officers explained that the current proposals encompassed the core village at logical locations on each approach and that there would be no benefit in extending the speed limit.

The Chair asked officers to keep the proposal under review and to respond to the Parish Councils request to omit the repeater sign B7 on Wilcote Lane.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Ramsden as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/182

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM11).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Minster Lovell as advertised.

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

The Chair commented that safety was the principal reason for the scheme and the policy.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Minster Lovell as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/196

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM12).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Milton as advertised.

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

The Chair noted that there was an error in paragraph 11 of the report and there were four objectors in total, not one.

The Chair commented that he was grateful to the responders for taking the time to respond.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Milton as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/183

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM13).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Leafield as advertised.

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

The Chair welcomed the numerous responses to the consultation.

The Chair considered the objections and commented that there were numerous studies and reports which showed that reducing the speed limit to 20mph improved safety.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Leafield as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/199

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM14).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in North Newington as advertised.

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

The Chair welcomed the large number of responses to the consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in North Newington as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/133

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM15).

Part of the 20 Mph Speed Limit project to promote 20 limits across the county where the community seek them.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the following proposals as advertised:

a.     20mph speed limits within the parish of Enstone, including the hamlets of: Cleveley, Gagingwell, Lidstone, and Radford, and

b.     30mph speed limits on the southern end of Cox’s Lane, and extended south-westwards on the B4022 to Charlbury.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph and 30mph speed limits in Enstone and 20mph speed limits in Cleveley, Gagingwell, Lidstone, and Radford.

The Chair referenced the map of Enstone on page 147 of the report and asked officers to clarify why they had put the 20mph zones where they had. Officers explained that the proposed 20mph speed limit was where the through road was at its most narrow and constricted. Further to the north, the road was more open and flowing with few properties, further to the South there were properties, but the road was of a higher quality. The 20mph zone was in the centre of the village where it was most needed. The proposal had the support of the Parish Council.

The Chair noted that there were no objections from bus companies and highlighted an objection from a local coach company. Officers commented that in the proposed 20mph zone, traffic rarely went above 20mph and officers believed that the proposals would not make a significant difference to the coach companies’ timetables.

The Chair asked that the coach company continue to engage with officers and keep them informed if they were to experience difficulty with the timetabling. The scheme would be kept under review.

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

a.     20mph speed limits within the parish of Enstone, including the hamlets of: Cleveley, Gagingwell, Lidstone, and Radford, and

b.     30mph speed limits on the southern end of Cox’s Lane, and extended south-westwards on the B4022 to Charlbury.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/201

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM16).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the following proposals as advertised:

a.     20mph speed limit within Caversfield, and

b.     30mph speed limits on parts of Aunt Ems Lane & Fringford Road.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of a 20mph speed limit on Thompson Drive and Old School Close and also 30mph speed limits on Fringford Road & Aunt Ems Lane in Caversfield.

Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Hennigan, Garrison Commander addressed the meeting, spoke in favour of the scheme but requested additional traffic calming measures and extension of the speed limit zone.

The Chair thanked the speaker for his comments and commented that traffic calming measures were beyond the scope of the recommendation but would be kept under review. The Chair asked the speaker to write to the Council with specific proposals for consideration and requested that officers contacted the Town Council regarding any measures they would like the Council to consider.

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

a.     20mph speed limit within Caversfield, and

b.     30mph speed limits on parts of Aunt Ems Lane & Fringford Road.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/095

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM17).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Ashbury and Idstone as advertised.

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

The Chair welcomed the large number of responses to the consultation.

The Chair noted that the Parish Council sought more extensive limits and thanked them for their detailed local input and asked that they keep in touch and as always, the scheme would be kept under review.  

The Chair commented that officers had applied the policy consistently.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Ashbury and Idstone as advertised.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/189

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDTM18).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Finstock as advertised.

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

The Chair commented that this proposal was a clear application of policy.

The Cabinet Member for Transport Management APPROVED the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Finstock as advertised.