Agenda, decisions and minutes

This Cabinet Member for Environment Delegated Decisions meeting will be held virtually in order to conform with current guidelines regarding social distancing. Normally requests to speak at this public meeting are required by 9 am on the day preceding the published date of the meeting. However, during the current situation and to facilitate these new arrangements we are asking that requests to speak are submitted by no later than 9am four working days before the meeting i.e. 9 am on Friday 23 April 2021. Requests to speak should be sent to graham.warrington@oxfordshire.gov.uk. We ask for a written statement of your presentation to ensure that if the technology fails then your views can still be considered. That statement can either be submitted with your request but should in any event be provided no later than 9 am 2 working days before the meeting – Tuesday 27 April 2021).

Where a meeting is held virtually and the addressee is unable to participate virtually a written submission will be accepted.

Written submissions should be no longer than 1 A4 sheet.

Petitions

A petition was presented by Jamie Hartzell from the Jericho Low Traffic neighbourhood Group in the following terms:

“We call on Oxfordshire County Council to implement a northbound traffic filter on Walton Street at the same time as, and in addition to, their current proposals to limit southbound traffic in Jericho and Walton Manor. The precise position of this filter should be decided in consultation with the community. Only by introducing measures that reduce or eliminate both northbound and southbound traffic can the Council’s aims of introducing a low traffic neighbourhood and encouraging active travel be met.”

Presenting the petition comprising of 1,100 signatures Mr Hartzell on behalf of the petitioners called on the County Council to introduce measures educing or eliminating both northbound and southbound traffic in Jericho and Walton Manor. By comparison the Jericho Connections petition last year that called for the barrier to be re-opened had just 660 signatories but more importantly many of those had been from outside the area, from places as far away as Scotland, Egypt and even Argentina with only 387 of them from Oxford City which appeared to represent a familiar pattern from the anti-LTN, pro-car lobby and a recent petition against the Cowley LTNs had been found to have large numbers of signatories from abroad and seemed that activists with no connection to the area are piling in in support of a cause.

However, 96% of the signatories on this petition were from Oxford which was  nearly three times as many local people for a low traffic neighbourhood as against and gathered in just 7 weeks whereas it had taken Jericho Connections 7 months to gather theirs.

Many of the comments in the petition stated how Walton Street was a much more attractive area to visit now traffic had been restricted and he quoted some of the comments directed at the Council itself:

“You need to hold your nerve and drive positive behaviour change, not cave in to a loud minority.”

and

“If you insist on reintroducing northbound motor vehicles from Worcester Street to Walton Street you will be taking one of the most thoroughly retrograde steps in Oxford over the last few years, for no good reason at all.”

He hoped as did many others that we still lived in a democracy and that the Council would be guided by the facts and not by the shouting. This petition clearly demonstrated that the majority of people were in favour of stopping through traffic in Jericho and Walton Manor.

He urged the Cabinet Member no to take Oxford backwards on its Active Travel, air pollution and climate change commitments but instead respect the views of the majority and introduce a scheme stopping all through traffic.

The petition was received and referred to officers.

Speakers

Forward Plan Ref: 2021/019

Contact: Robert Freshwater Mobile: 07775007926/Naomi Barnes, Project Manager Tel: 07824 528681

Report by Assistant Director Growth & Place (CMDE4).

In November 2019, the Cabinet Member for Environment approved implementation of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to restrict motor vehicle access on Walton Street at its junction with Worcester Street.  The 18-month period for this trial concludes on 17 May 2021. 

Prior to that date, a decision is required on whether to make the trial measure permanent or whether it should be removed.  Following formal consultation on the trial measures between November 2019 and May 2020, the Cabinet Member decided to continue the experimental order at a Cabinet Members Decisions meeting in August 2020 pending consultation and progress on a local traffic neighbourhood scheme.  Following receipt of Department for Transport (DfT) Active Travel funding in late 2020, an area pilot scheme for the Jericho and Walton Manor area, aimed at promoting active travel for the area, was consulted on between 5 March 2021 and 19 March 2021.  The area pilot was proposed as an alternative to the current ETRO arrangements. This report details the outcomes of the area pilot scheme consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to:

a)        Terminate the current Experimental Traffic Regulation Order on Walton Street, to not make the trial scheme permanent and remove all traffic management measures associated with the trial.

b)        Not proceed with the Jericho and Walton Manor area pilot scheme consulted on by the county council, in recognition of local opinion provided during the consultation phase.

c)        Note the wide range of important issues raised by those opposing, supporting, and neutral about the Jericho and Walton Manor area pilot scheme proposals.

In November 2019, the Cabinet Member for Environment had approved implementation of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to restrict motor vehicle access on Walton Street at its junction with Worcester Street.  The 18-month period for that trial was due to conclude on 17 May 2021. 

Prior to that date, a decision was required on whether the trial measure should be made permanent or whether it should be removed.  Following formal consultation on the trial measures between November 2019 and May 2020, the Cabinet Member had decided in August 2020 to continue the experimental order pending consultation and progress on a local traffic neighbourhood scheme.  Following receipt of Department for Transport (DfT) Active Travel funding in late 2020, an area pilot scheme for the Jericho and Walton Manor area, aimed at promoting active travel for the area, was consulted on between 5 March 2021 and 19 March 2021.  The area pilot was proposed as an alternative to the current ETRO arrangements and this report details the outcomes of consultation on that pilot scheme.

Before considering the officer report and hearing from speakers the Cabinet Member wanted to remind the meeting of the background to and amount of work that had been undertaken through a number of county council led road safety measures and restricted traffic calming schemes in the Jericho and Walton Manor area, which had included measures on Kingston Road, St Bernard’s Road and Hayfield Road/Aristotle Lane.. The area also showed a strong base for active travel measures and work to date had provided strong figures and a good basis on which to consider these trials and experiments. In addition to the specific schemes for traffic calming along the whole length of Walton Street and in Observatory Street and Frenchay Road a traffic filter had been provided on the western end of Polstead Road, Little Clarendon Street had non raised calming measures and raised side road entry treatments had been installed at junctions of all side roads along the Woodstock Road except Little Clarendon Street. Furthermore, a review of traffic accident data had suggested that it was unlikely that through traffic would have been a contributory factor in a great many of the incidents reported in this area.  By drawing attention to this now illustrated how much care and attention Oxfordshire County Council had delivered to this area.

John Faux spoke as a resident of Jericho who worked in Kidlington. As a walker, runner, cyclist, motorcyclist, motorist and also passionate supporter of local businesses, he estimated that 90% of his journeys outside of work were to Walton Street or Little Clarendon Street. Since Walton Street had been closed walking, running and cycling had become infinitely more enjoyable and considerably safer and while he had to drive a bit further to get in and out of Jericho that was acceptable when considering the positives now being experienced.  Prior to the closure Walton Street had often been blocked or very busy with traffic and dangerous to cycle down. He believed a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2/21

Forward Plan Ref: 2021/010

Contact: Tim Shickle, Group Manager – Traffic & Road Safety Tel: 07920 591545 / Lee Turner, Principal Officer – Traffic Schemes Tel: 07917 072678

Report by Corporate Director for Environment & Place (CMDE5).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation on a proposed zebra crossing on the A4155 Marlow Road, Henley to address concerns raised over the safety of pedestrians crossing Marlow Road near Swiss Farm.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the provision of a puffin crossing at A4155 Marlow Road, Henley, as advertised.

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered responses received to a statutory consultation on a proposed zebra crossing on the A4155 Marlow Road, Henley to address concerns raised over the safety of pedestrians crossing Marlow Road near Swiss Farm.

David Palmer a resident at Swiss Farm Park Homes since 2000 explained that Swiss Farm was a community of 80 homes comprising 160 residents many of whom were elderly. In addition to this there was an adjoining camp site with 90 pitches and some 360 occupants during the summer months with potentially 520 people wanting to cross the road and walk into Henley.  He regularly crossed this road to walk into Henley for recreation and shopping and on numerous occasions had had to wait for long periods of time to cross. There was also a bus stop across the road so this crossing would enable easy access for that. The officer report stated that when the traffic study had been completed there had been 3,624 car movements with 452 pedestrians attempting to cross the road. Including 6 wheelchairs and 101 accompanied under 16 year olds. He considered that that alone demonstrated the need for a crossing. This was not just about elderly residents but also the many families with young children that spend their holidays at Swiss Farm Camping and it was unacceptable to have to gain access to the town by first crossing a racetrack to get to the only footpath on the other side of the road particularly as there was now an acceptable solution. Costs were to be met by Henley Town Council and he asked the Cabinet Member to accept the officer recommendation to approve the puffin crossing on the Marlow Road.

Endorsing Mr Palmer’s comments Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak referred to the overwhelming support locally with 126 people in support and only 4 against. The road was heavily trafficked and the scheme fitted in with the Active Travel Agenda.

The Cabinet Member for Environment could see no real argument against provision and, therefore, having regard to the information set out in the report before her and the representations made to her at the meeting confirmed her decision as follows:

to approve the provision of a puffin crossing at A4155 Marlow Road, Henley, as advertised

Signed……………………………………….

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing……………………………..

Forward Plan Ref: 2021/011

Contact: Tim Shickle, Group Manager – Traffic & Road Safety Tel: 07920 591545 / Lee Turner, Principal Officer – Traffic Schemes Tel: 07917 072678

Report by Corporate Director for Environment & Place (CMDE6).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation on a proposed zebra crossing on Gravel Hill, Henley to address concerns raised over the safety of pedestrians crossing Gravel Hill near its junctions with Hop Gardens and Paradise Road.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the provision of a zebra crossing at Gravel Hill.

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE6) responses received to a statutory consultation on a proposed zebra crossing on Gravel Hill, Henley to address concerns raised over the safety of pedestrians crossing Gravel Hill near its junctions with Hop Gardens and Paradise Road.

Tim Hoskins the Headteacher of Badgemore Primary School spoke in support of the scheme. Nearly 50% of the school’s pupils lived on the other side of Gravel Hill and therefore had to travel across this dangerous road twice a day. and whilst he was very proud that many pupils were walking to school as part of their daily commute, crossing this road was a great worry to him as even with the new speed reduction in place, cars travelled too fast along the road with visibility tricky when looking up the hill. Adding a zebra crossing on Gravel Hill would not only make the road safer, but it would further encourage more families to walk to school thereby reducing pollution in the area. He and his staff all strongly supported the proposal to add a zebra crossing to Gravel Hill which he knew would be welcomed by the wider school community.

Endorsing Mr Hoskins’ comments County Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak emphasized the problems regarding speed of traffic on Gravel Hill and the positive benefits to be gained from this crossing for the school, local residents and also Henley College which was nearby. There had been considerable support locally with 109 representations in support and 4 against. The scheme would be funded in part from S106 money with any shortfall met by Henley Town Council.

Officers pointed out that there was also £5000 CIL money allocated to this scheme which was expected soon and would therefore reduce any contribution which might be required from the Town Council

Therefore, having regard to the information set out in the report before her together with the representations made to her at the meeting the Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed her decision as follows:

to approve provision of a zebra crossing at Gravel Hill to address concerns raised over the safety of pedestrians crossing Gravel Hill near the junctions with Hop Gardens and Paradise Road.

Signed……………………………………….

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing……………………………….

Forward Plan Ref: 2021/026

Contact: Tim Shickle, Group Manager – Traffic & Road Safety Tel: 07920 591545 / Geoff Barrell, Senior Infrastructure Planner Tel: 07392 318869

Report by Corporate Director for Environment and Place (CMDE7).

Formal consultation objections were received following proposed bus stop build outs in Witney and Eynsham as reported to the Cabinet Member for Environment Delegated Decisions meeting on 17 December 2020. The proposals responded to passenger access concerns and operator needs to improve journey time reliability and help meet the Equality Act (2010) strictures. A decision was deferred to enable further consultations with local County Councillors, parish/town Councils and bus operators. The report covers those discussions.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the two amended smaller permanent bus stop build outs in Witney and a year trial for the amended bus stop build out in Eynsham.

Following formal consultation objections received in respect of bus stop build outs in Witney and Eynsham, proposed in response to passenger access concerns and operator needs to improve journey time reliability and help meet tEquality Act (2010) strictures the Cabinet Member for Environment had on 17 December 2020 deferred a decision on the matter to enable further consultations with local County Councillors, parish/town Councils and bus operators. The report (CMDE7) now before the Cabinet Member set out the outcome of those further discussions.

Councillor Charles Mathew advised that following deferral he had consulted locally further on the options available for the Eynsham element. Although there had been 35 responses unfortunately no favourite option had emerged with all options having serious handicaps.  Therefore, as there was no ideal solution he had reluctantly accepted the temporary solution as proposed by officers and with a review of the scheme after one year.

Officers accepted that there had been no stand-out scheme but considered what was now proposed was a good compromise with an opportunity to review any issues after one year.

Thanking the local member and officers for their careful follow up on this the Cabinet Member for Environment accepted that the Eynsham proposal represented a compromise scheme which would be monitored over the first year to evaluate any congestion issues that might occur. She noted that the schemes in Witney would progress on a permanent basis. Therefore, having regard to the information set out in the report before her together with the representations made to her at the meeting she confirmed her decision as follows:

to approve the two amended smaller permanent bus stop build outs in Witney and a year trial for the amended bus stop build out in Eynsham.

Signed…………………………………………..

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing………………………………..