Agenda item

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/063

Contact: Craig Rossington, Senior Transport Planner Tel: 07880 945891

Report by Director for Planning & Place (CMDE5).

As part of the Local Growth Fund Connections to Oxford Station project, proposals for improvements to the George Street/Hythe Bridge Street/Worcester Street junction in the centre of Oxford including changes to Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) were consulted on formally last summer; the results of that consultation were reported to the 12 July 2018 Cabinet Member Decisions (Environment) meeting.  The design consulted on last year forms part of this report at Annex 1.

At that meeting, the Cabinet Member for Environment decided not to approve the changes to traffic movements in order that officers could consult key stakeholders on further improvements to the detailed design in the light of the consultation responses and the outcome of the Road Safety Audit process.

Officers were also asked to consider the implications of the Botley Road corridor study and the Phil Jones Associates report for the design and specification of the scheme.  This has now been done and the improvements to the scheme layout made.  Key stakeholders have also been given the opportunity to comment on this. The improved design forms part of this report at Annex 2.  Approval is now sought for the amended TROs and improved junction layout.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the revised design for the George Street/Worcester Street/Hythe Bridge Street junction and the necessary changes to the Traffic Regulation Order governing traffic movements as advertised in May and June 2018.

As part of the Local Growth Fund Connections to the Oxford Station project proposals for improvements to the George Street/Hythe Bridge Street/Worcester Street junction in the centre of Oxford including changes to Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) were consulted on formally last summer with results reported to the 12 July 2018 Cabinet Member for Environment Delegated Decisions. At that meeting the Cabinet Member decided not to approve any changes in order that officers could consult key stakeholders on further improvements to the detailed design in the light of the consultation responses and the outcome of the Road Safety Audit process along with the implications of the Botley Road corridor study and the Phil Jones Associates report for the design and specification of the scheme.  That had now been done and improvements to the scheme layout made.  Key stakeholders had also been given the opportunity to comment on this.

The design consulted on last year formed part of the report currently before the Cabinet Member to this meeting with the improved design at Annex 2. Approval was now being sought for the amended TROs and improved junction layout.

Speaking on this issue for a third time Councillor Howson was still unable to support the proposals considering a more radical approach was required on what was a key route from the station to the City centre. The scheme addressed neither safety concerns emanating from narrow pavements in Hythe Bridge Street or environmental concerns and, suggesting that it seemed premature to do this before the Oxford Transport Strategy had been finalised, queried whether the scheme represented value for money. There did not appear to be a plan for an alternative route while works were carried out and changes to signal times could lead to tailbacks in Hythe Bridge Street leading to increased pollution. The scheme should be deferred until the Transport Strategy had been finally determined.

Responding Mr Rossington advised that the scheme had been designed to address demand management and help manage traffic flow. Changing how local streets and the junction were used would greatly benefit both pedestrians and cyclists.  Provision of the scheme would not preclude, if necessary, changes being made in the future and bollards could be removed as and when required. Value for money would be part of relevant processes undertaken not just for this junction but also for detailed design capital spending to come. He acknowledged concerns regarding pavements in Hythe Bridge Street but felt that improving traffic flow would have a beneficial effect on the general surroundings making them safer and cleaner. He confirmed that LEP funding needed to be used within 6 months which meant a decision was required today, whereas S106 money was not time limited.  There would effectively be no real physical change as the lights would all be retained and although changes were minor they would result in a real improvement.

Mr Kirkwood endorsed comments regarding safety improvements for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Councillor Sanders recognised some of the concerns expressed by Councillor Howson but felt persuaded by the case put forward by officers regarding overall improvements to a dangerous junction.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged the objections from Cyclox and Pedal & Post as set out in the report along with 2 emails she had received from Gareth Lewis and Graham Jones which she had taken full account of in reaching her decision.  Thanking Councillor Sanders for his support and Councillor Howson for his input she agreed with his comments about this being the worst approach into the City but nevertheless felt the scheme was justified in order to improve both traffic flow and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.  Satisfied that the scheme represented value for money and was not simply being promoted merely because finance was available she undertook to share that spending detail with Councillor Howson so he could scrutinise and challenge if necessary.

Therefore, having regard to the information set out in the report before her and the representations made to her at the meeting she confirmed her decision as follows:

approve the revised design for the George Street/Worcester Street/Hythe Bridge Street junction and the necessary changes to the Traffic Regulation Order governing traffic movements as advertised in May and June 2018.

Signed…………………………………

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing………………………