Agenda, decisions and minutes

See guidance below.

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 was 1 registered from Cllr Mark Cherry, which can be seen in an Addendum on the meeting page on the website.

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.

There was one petition presented to the meeting by Dr Francis Campbell about parking schemes in Shrivenham. Having seen the petition and listened to the remarks, the Chair promised that a response would be provided in 10 working days by the relevant Chief Officer, the Director of Environment and Highways.

There were several addresses to the meeting, a list of which can be seen below:

5. Lower Wolvercote, Oxford – Proposed Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) 2024/25

Rosalind Chaston

Jonathan Patterson

Graham Jones

Kevin Clarke

Mike Benson

Nick Carpenter

Tom Carey

Louise Kirkpatrick

Nicholas Vincent

Christopher Gowers

John Powers

Yvonne Oppon

6. Didcot Central – Proposed Permit Parking Area

Cllr Ian Snowdon

Dr Nick Hards

Andrew Jones

7. Proposed Introduction of Permit Parking Bays – Corn Street/Church Green, Witney

Cllr Andrew Coles

Christine Watson

John Garside

8. Thame Centre – Parking Review 2024

David Treanor

Angela Wilson

Bridget Trueman

10. Howard Street and Flower Lane, Oxford – Cycling Improvements

Danny Yee

Penny Dwyer

11. Didcot: Proposed 20mph Speed Limits

Cllr Ian Snowdon

Robin Tucker

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2024 to be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2024 were approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/295

Contact: Vicki Neville, Senior Officer – Parking Schemes and TRO’s (Vicki.Neville@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTMT5).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to approve the following measures:

a)    The Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) Monday to Sunday 8am – 8pm permit holders only and the 3 hour shared use (permit holders or non-permit holders) parking bays in Lower Wolvercote as advertised. 

b)    The ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions (double yellow lines) as advertised.

c)    The time limited 3 hour parking bay (for non-permit holders only) on Godstow Road as advertised.

The Chair stated that he was the local County Councillor for Wolvercote & Summertown, and that he had taken advice from the Monitoring Officer considering the item affected his own division. Given that the Chair had no prior involvement in the scheme, except receiving a letter informing him of the consultation as the local County Councillor, he was advised by the Monitoring Officer that there is no conflict of interest nor any specific interest to declare in respect of this item.  

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

Officers confirmed that a consultation on this scheme in 2022 was for operating hours of Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, which was deferred. Similar schemes in Oxford were designed on a case-by-case basis.

The Oxford North development was referenced in terms of how it would impact parking and network management.

In terms of loading and unloading vehicles, officers confirmed that this could be undertaken on double yellow lines, but that the vehicle would have to move after the loading or unloading had taken place.  

Noting questions regarding signage, officers stated that this was a case of balancing legal requirements against local need.

Officers discussed concerns around Elmthorpe Road, and the need of balancing visitor parking and space for vehicles to pass through the road.

Following a question from the Chair, officers reflected that the parking beat survey was not about ‘who’ was parking, but about parking stress surveys to test how many cars were parking at the weekends, on weekdays and in the summer months.

The Chair and officers noted the engagement with the canal boat community during the implementation of the Upper Wolvercote CPZ.

The Chair raised the question of businesses that are run from home and the parking implications arising from that. Officers confirmed that users of the business would have to make use of time-limited spaces within the zone, or visitor permits, but noted that these were limited in numbers.

Officers noted that residents who need regular care from health professionals and/or family, were eligible for a Carers Permit.

Officers and the Chair engaged in discussions about the consultation process.

The Chair referred to some of the written statements submitted.

Following discussion around pavement parking, officers stated that the government was currently consulting on this and that the Council was monitoring this issue.

The Chair confirmed that CPZ’s do not raise revenue for the County Council and that there was case law to show this. Officers noted that fees and charges were set annually each year and that the proposals in the proposed budget going to Council was for no increase to occur.

The Chair pointed out that roads are public highway, owned by the highways authority (the County Council) and that there wasn’t an immediate right to be able to park outside a specific property.

Officers confirmed they wanted to undertake parking surveys after the recent introduction of charges in Godstow Road Car Park by Oxford City Council,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 218/25

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/348

Contact: Mike Horton, Senior Officer – TRO and Parking Schemes (Mike.Horton@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTMT6).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls in Didcot as follows:

a)    The introduction of no waiting at any time restrictions on sections of Bosleys Orchard, Edinburgh Drive, Garth Road, Haydon Road, King Alfred Drive, Lydalls Close, Lydalls Road, Manor Road, Melton Drive, Orchard Close, and Stonor Close.

b)    The introduction of permit holders only past this point restrictions, during the hours of 8am to 8pm, every day, on sections of Blagrave Close, Blenheim Close, Bosleys Orchard, Britwell Road, Edinburgh Drive (excluding that section adjacent to Broadway), Garth Road, Haydon Road, King Alfred Drive, Lydalls Close, Lydalls Road, Manor Road, Melton Drive, Orchard Close, Roman Place, and Stonor Close.

c)    To remove All Saints Court and Great Western Drive from the proposals, but to include them in monitoring the impact of the scheme.

d)    To proceed with the proposals in Lydalls Road (West), but to instruct officers to review the parking restrictions in the vicinity of All Saints Church, after a period of three months, in discussion directly with the local Reverend and Church representatives and, if necessary, introduce a minor amendment order to further assist with visitors to the church for events.

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair noted that enforcement needed to improve, both as a sanction and a deterrent and stated that the civil enforcement procurement process was underway for local Councillors to feed into.

Officers referred to the issue of Sundays being included and along with the Chair, confirmed it would remain under review.

The Chair and officers engaged in discussion regarding the particular issues as raised by the local Church, with relation to a Monday-Saturday scheme.

The Chair referred to petition previously presented at a meeting last year regarding Lydalls Road parking issues.

Officers noted that the amount of visitor permits was consistent in zones across the County.

Following a question from the Chair, officers confirmed their engagement with the School Streets programme team to mitigate any potential impacts and that a permit parking area could help in tackling parking during the hours of operation for these schemes.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls in Didcot as follows:

a)    The introduction of no waiting at any time restrictions on sections of Bosleys Orchard, Edinburgh Drive, Garth Road, Haydon Road, King Alfred Drive, Lydalls Close, Lydalls Road, Manor Road, Melton Drive, Orchard Close, and Stonor Close.

b)    The introduction of permit holders only past this point restrictions, during the hours of 8am to 8pm, every day, on sections of Blagrave Close, Blenheim Close, Bosleys Orchard, Britwell Road, Edinburgh Drive (excluding that section adjacent to Broadway), Garth Road, Haydon Road, King Alfred Drive, Lydalls Close, Lydalls Road, Manor Road, Melton Drive, Orchard Close, Roman Place, and Stonor Close.

c)    To remove All Saints Court and Great Western Drive from the proposals, but to include them in monitoring the impact of the scheme.

d)    To proceed with the proposals in Lydalls Road (West), but to instruct officers to review the parking restrictions in the vicinity of All Saints Church, after a period of three months, in discussion directly with the local Reverend and Church representatives and, if necessary, introduce a minor amendment order to further assist with visitors to the church for events.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/325

Contact: Emma Palmer, Senior Officer – TRO’s and Schemes (Emma.Palmer@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTMT7).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls Witney as follows:

a)    The introduction of parking places on Church Green (eastern arm and southern arm) for permit holders (WY) or 2-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

b)    The introduction of parking places on Corn Street (both sides) for permit holders (WY) or 2-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

c)    The introduction of parking places on Market Street (both sides) for permit holders (WY) or 2-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

d)    The introduction of parking places on Church Green (central arm) for permit holders (WY) or 4-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 6am to 10pm, daily.

e)    To include property Nos.2–20 (even numbers) Station Lane in the schedule of eligible properties for the issue of a CH permit.

f)     To include property Nos.1–24 Charter Place in the schedule of eligible properties.

g)    To include all properties in Marlborough Lane in the schedule of eligible properties.

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to their points in turn.

Officers confirmed there is an annual charge for residents parking permits, and also noted there was no formal response from St Mary’s Church.

The Chair referred to several consultation responses, and several elements of the report relating to hours of use and the impact on businesses.

The Chair made one small amendment to recommendation e), changing the wording to ‘WY’, relating to Witney, rather than ‘CH’ – shown in bold italics below.

The Chair thanked officer for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report as amended.

RESOLVED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls Witney as follows:

a) The introduction of parking places on Church Green (eastern arm and southern arm) for permit holders (WY) or 2-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

b) The introduction of parking places on Corn Street (both sides) for permit holders (WY) or 2-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

c) The introduction of parking places on Market Street (both sides) for permit holders (WY) or 2-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

d) The introduction of parking places on Church Green (central arm) for permit holders (WY) or 4-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 6am to 10pm, daily.

e) To include property Nos.2–20 (even numbers) Station Lane in the schedule of eligible properties for the issue of a CH WY permit.

f) To include property Nos.1–24 Charter Place in the schedule of eligible properties.

g) To include all properties in Marlborough Lane in the schedule of eligible properties.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/344

Contact: James Whiting, Team Leader – TRO’s and Parking Schemes (James.Whiting@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTMT8).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls in Thame as follows:

a)    The introduction of no waiting at any time restrictions on sections of Church Road, Ludsden Grove and Lupton Road.

b)    The removal of no waiting at any time restrictions to be replaced by an access protection marking between N.101 & 103 Chinnor Road.

c)    The introduction of permit holder only bays (TH prefix), 8am – 6pm, Monday to Saturday on parts of Church Road.

d)    The formalisation of an existing disabled bay on Church Road, in front of the access to St. Mary’s Church.

e)    The introduction of Shared-use permit holders or 2 hour max stay parking bays (8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday) on the east side only North Street only, to replace no waiting restrictions.

f)     The extension of properties currently eligible to apply for residents permits to also be eligible for visitor permits in High Street, Cornmarket and Upper High Street.

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

Officers confirmed that the restrictions proposed do not stop picking up or dropping off.

The Chair agreed that the issue of enforcement, raised by public speakers, was an extremely important one.

The Chair noted that the intention of controlled parking zones was to safeguard the amenity of residents.

The Chair noted a slight error in recommendation e), which should have read ‘on the east side of North Street only’, rather than ‘on the east side only North Street only’ – as shown in bold italics below.

Officers and the Chair discussed the exemptions that were rightly applied for funerals and weddings.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations as amended

RESOLVED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls in Thame as follows:

a) The introduction of no waiting at any time restrictions on sections of Church Road, Ludsden Grove and Lupton Road.

b) The removal of no waiting at any time restrictions to be replaced by an access protection marking between N.101 & 103 Chinnor Road.

c) The introduction of permit holder only bays (TH prefix), 8am – 6pm, Monday to Saturday on parts of Church Road.

d) The formalisation of an existing disabled bay on Church Road, in front of the access to St. Mary’s Church.

e) The introduction of Shared-use permit holders or 2 hour max stay parking bays (8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday) on the east side only of North Street only, to replace no waiting restrictions.

f) The extension of properties currently eligible to apply for residents permits to also be eligible for visitor permits in High Street, Cornmarket and Upper High Street.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/349

Contact: James Whiting, Team Leader – TRO’s and Parking Schemes (James.Whiting@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTMT9).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

Approve the following:

a)    The proposed provision of Disabled Persons Parking Places (DPPP) at: Caldecott Close, Abingdon; Maberley Close, Abingdon; Swinburne Road, Abingdon; Fane Drive, Berinsfield; Station Road, Chinnor; Hagbourne Road, Didcot; Childery Way, East Challow; Boucher Close, Grove; Poplar Grove, Kennington; Lea Road, Sonning Common; Ireton Court, Thame; Naldertown, Wantage.

b)    The proposed removal of a DPPP at: No. 12 Orchard Way, Wantage.

c)    Defer approval of the DPPP at the following location pending further investigations: No. 13 Orchard Way, Wantage.

d)    Defer approval of the removal of a DPPP at the following location: Gainsborough Crescent, Henley-on-Thames.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting and reflected that these items were ongoing processes that were designed to reflect demand and necessity.

The Chair referenced some of the specific roads referenced in the report.

Officers noted that the recommendation would provide flexibility to determine the marking based upon the judgment of officers.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following:

a) The proposed provision of Disabled Persons Parking Places (DPPP) at: Caldecott Close, Abingdon; Maberley Close, Abingdon; Swinburne Road, Abingdon; Fane Drive, Berinsfield; Station Road, Chinnor; Hagbourne Road, Didcot; Childery Way, East Challow; Boucher Close, Grove; Poplar Grove, Kennington; Lea Road, Sonning Common; Ireton Court, Thame; Naldertown, Wantage.

b) The proposed removal of a DPPP at: No. 12 Orchard Way, Wantage.

c) Defer approval of the DPPP at the following location pending further investigations: No. 13 Orchard Way, Wantage.

d) Defer approval of the removal of a DPPP at the following location: Gainsborough Crescent, Henley-on-Thames.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/328

Contact: Ralph Green, Officer – Traffic and Road Safety (Ralph.Green@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTMT10).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of new ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ parking restrictions (double yellow lines) on Howard Street in place of approximately 5 metres of ‘Permit Holders only’ parking, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

Officers referred to specific details of the proposed scheme, with the intention of segregating pedestrians and cyclists with bollards.

The Chair noted that officers have addressed concerns to mitigate risks associated with the scheme.

The Chair referred to specific elements of the scheme outlined in the report and welcomed the good level of consultation response.

Officers confirmed that the hump would be level with the pavement to ensure there was no level difference and allow a smooth transition across the road.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of new ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ parking restrictions (double yellow lines) on Howard Street in place of approximately 5 metres of ‘Permit Holders only’ parking, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/192

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Vision Zero Team Leader (Anthony.Kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTMT11).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of the additional 20mph speed limits in southern Didcot as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their addresses and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

Officers confirmed that the framework for the initial phase of the 20mph Speed Limit programme required the agreement of the Town Council and local County Councillor.

Officers confirmed that a Vision Zero Review would be undertaken with feedback from local County Councillors and residents.

The Chair referred to evidence which he felt suggested positive impacts of the 20mph speed limit scheme.

The Chair referred to several consultation responses outlined in the report.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of the additional 20mph speed limits in southern Didcot as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/368

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Vision Zero Team Leader (Anthony.Kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTMT12).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Beckley and Stowood, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

Officers noted that an extension to the scheme was not possible without further consultation; and that an extension could be looked at as part of the monitoring of the scheme.

The Chair referred to several of the consultation responses.

The Chair agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Beckley and Stowood, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/184

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Vision Zero Team Leader (Anthony.Kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director for Environment and Highways (CMDTMT13).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in East Challow, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair and officers confirmed that the scheme could not be extended to roads as part of new developments because the roads were not adopted.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in East Challow, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/188

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Vision Zero Team Leader (Anthony.Kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTMT14).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Eye & Dunsden, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting and raised the topic of giving the consultation to Wokingham Unitary Authority. Officers confirmed this point and noted that it was because part of the Thames river bridge sits within their jurisdiction.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Eye & Dunsden, as advertised.

Cabinet Member: Transport Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/178

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Vision Zero Team Leader (Anthony.Kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Environment and Highways (CMDTMT18).

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Shenington with Alkerton, as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair referenced several of the consultation responses.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Shenington with Alkerton, as advertised.