Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and consider apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J Robertshaw, T Ashby and A Coles. Apologies were also received from T Weaver (Pulham's Coaches), T Bayliss (Stagecoach) and A Lyon (West Oxfordshire Community Transport).

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting.  Any member of the public who so wishes may speak, at this point in the meeting, for a maximum of five minutes on any matter relating to an item on the agenda.

The Committee received representations from a resident concerning rail connectivity between Witney and Oxford, future mass rapid transit proposals, the development of Woodford Way Car Park, opportunities for development-led transport infrastructure, and proposals for a future river crossing linking Woodford Way with Hailey Road, including the concept of an inhabited bridge.

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) officers advised that work was underway to consider a range of mass rapid transit options in addition to rail solutions, with future transport corridors being considered as part of the emerging West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) Local Plan 2041.

Discussion also took place regarding the future of Woodford Way Car Park, including proposals for residential development alongside the retention of public parking provision.

Members were advised that OCC was nearing completion of feasibility work relating to the West End Link, which would provide a second river crossing, with findings expected later in 2026.

Councillor Stuart McCarroll highlighted forthcoming opportunities for residents and stakeholders to comment on transport and development matters through consultation on the emerging WODC Local Plan.

Resolved:

That, the representation and responses be noted.

Cllr R Smith joined the meeting at 3:21pm.

a) To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 17 March 2026.

b) Matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda (Questions on the progress of any item)

The Committee received the minutes of the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee meeting held on 17 March 2026.

T24 Public Transport Update -The Parish Transport Representative advised that the annual Bus Users Meeting took place and valuable feedback was received.

Resolved:

1. That, the minutes of the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee meeting held on 17 March 2026 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
2. That, the update be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Lead Officer/Team Leader – Place, Planning and Coordination West.

Members received and considered the report of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) together with verbal updates from officers.

West Oxfordshire Lowlands Movement and Place Plan

Officers advised that consultation on the draft Plan had concluded, with over 300 responses received. Consultation feedback was being reviewed ahead of consideration by the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee in September and adoption later in 2026.

Members also heard from the Chair of Witney Chamber of Commerce who advised that 309 responses had been received to their own survey, suggesting that convenience rather than cost was the main factor influencing car use, whilst improved footpaths could encourage greater levels of walking. Members highlighted the importance of robust parking, transport and economic data to support future policy decisions and suggested that further analysis of parking behaviour within the town would be beneficial.

It was agreed that the Chamber of Commerce survey findings would be shared with OCC officers for consideration as part of the review process. Members welcomed the survey and thanked the Chamber for providing additional evidence to support future transport planning.

Access to Witney – Shores Green

Officers advised that completion of the scheme had been delayed slightly and was now expected to open on 17 July 2026. The Committee was informed that additional time was required to complete remedial works and remove temporary traffic management before opening.

Officers further advised that work on the redesignation of the A4095 and associated signage changes would continue following completion of the junction works, together with monitoring of traffic patterns across the town.

The Parish Transport Representative asked whether the bus shelter at South Leigh turn would be reinstated following its removal during the works. Officers agreed to seek an update and report back.

Members welcomed the update and looked forward to the final completion of this long-awaited improvement.

Fiveways Roundabout

Officers advised that the Vision Zero crossing scheme on the Welch Way arm of the roundabout would now be delayed until after completion of the Witney High Street works to avoid conflicts with diversion routes and traffic management.

King George V Recreation Ground Path

Members were advised that construction of the new path was expected to take place during the school summer holiday period to minimise disruption.

The Committee requested that a copy of the approved design be circulated to Members.

Witney Paths and Crossings

Officers advised that progress had been made in resolving procurement issues affecting the Madley Park and Windrush Place path improvement schemes, with a preferred procurement route identified and discussions underway with a contractor regarding delivery. Members welcomed the update and requested a further update once a revised programme had been agreed.

Barnard Gate Experimental Traffic Regulation Order

The Committee received an update regarding the no right turn experimental traffic regulation order at Barnard Gate. Members raised concerns regarding signage, compliance and enforcement, noting continued observations of vehicles undertaking prohibited movements. Concerns were also raised regarding cycling connectivity at the junction and whether further measures may be required.

Line Refreshing Programme and  ...  view the full minutes text for item T35

To receive an update from the Witney High Street Project Team. Additional Information can be found in the OCC Report at Agenda Item 4a – Point 2 of that report.

The Committee received an update from Oxfordshire County Council officers regarding the Witney High Street and Market Square Enhancement Scheme.

Officers advised that a number of highway and infrastructure defects had been identified during construction, including a carriageway failure within the project area. Opportunities were being explored to address these issues alongside the current works, including the potential for full resurfacing of the carriageway.

The scheme was reported to be progressing largely in accordance with the agreed programme and within the approved budget. Officers also advised that discussions were ongoing with West Oxfordshire District Council regarding potential additional funding for enhanced bus shelters and other improvements which could be delivered whilst works remained underway.

Members welcomed the close working relationship between Oxfordshire County Council, Galliford Try and local stakeholders, including arrangements that had enabled the Witney Carnival procession to proceed as normal.

Concerns were raised regarding communication surrounding temporary bus stop arrangements, service diversions and passenger information. The Parish Transport Representative highlighted instances of passenger confusion regarding temporary stop closures and altered boarding locations and stressed the importance of providing adequate shelter and shade for passengers using Langdale Gate during periods of hot weather.

The Chair of Witney Chamber of Commerce raised concerns regarding communication with businesses, reporting limited direct engagement with some traders during the early stages of the project. Officers acknowledged these concerns and undertook to review communication arrangements with the contractor and Public Liaison Officer.

Members welcomed the commitment to improve communication and requested that engagement with businesses, public transport operators and users continue throughout future phases of the project. The Parish Transport Representative advised that they remained in regular contact with Galliford Try regarding Phase Two of the works to help ensure that operators and passengers received advance notice of future changes.

The Taxi Representative advised that the first phase of works had generally operated well and that the temporary one-way operation of the High Street had created a positive environment for drivers and road users.

Members also emphasised the importance of effective parking and traffic enforcement once the scheme was complete.

Resolved:

1. That, the update be noted;
2. That, officers continue to engage with public transport operators regarding future phases of the scheme;
3. That, the Committee Clerk circulate the contact details of the Galliford Try Project Manager and Public Liaison Officer to the Chair of Witney Chamber of Commerce for onward circulation to local businesses; and
4. That, the Committee welcomes the exploration of additional highway improvements and resurfacing works where external funding can be secured and delivered alongside the current scheme.

To receive an update on the Community Speedwatch Scheme.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Deputy Town Clerk regarding the operation of the Community Speedwatch Scheme.

Members were advised that one monitoring session had taken place since the previous meeting and that further sessions were planned during July if sufficient volunteers could be assembled. Additionally, the Town Council would be supporting the Community Speedwatch national day of action on 11 July with the promotion via its social media channels.

The Committee heard that the group had recorded 396 speeding vehicles since its introduction, with 254 warning letters subsequently issued through the Thames Valley Police system.

Members thanked the volunteers involved for their continued commitment however the importance of recruiting additional volunteers was noted.

Resolved:

That, the update be noted.

During the following Agenda Item, the Member of the public left the meeting at 4:31pm.

To receive an update from members present on any public transport matters, including the of OCC supported bus services concerning and servicing Witney.

The Committee received verbal update from the Parish Transport Representative.

Members were advised that a review of bus services was due to take place in August, although no major changes to supported services were currently anticipated. The Parish Transport Representative reported that there continued to be frustration amongst bus users regarding journey times between Witney and Oxford, particularly following the introduction of additional stops along the Woodstock Road corridor. It was hoped that improvements to services and journey times could be considered following the reopening of Botley Road and future service reviews.

Members also heard about the future role that Eynsham Park & Ride could play in bus services, together with planned highway improvements on the A40, and the potential improvement impact on bus reliability and connectivity across West Oxfordshire.

It was further noted that requests for improved services to destinations such as Cotswold Wildlife Park and a number of rural communities continued to be raised by users.

Resolved:

That, the verbal updates be noted.

To also receive the feedback from the Bus Users Service Meeting held on 19^th May 2026 and accompanying survey

The Committee received feedback from the Bus Users Meeting held on 19 May 2026 together with the results of the accompanying survey.

Members welcomed the quality of engagement and discussion at the event despite attendance being lower than the previous year. The survey highlighted concerns regarding service reliability, ticketing arrangements and links to key destinations, whilst also identifying a number of opportunities for future service improvements.

The Parish Transport Representative had also undertaken additional analysis of the survey responses and Members agreed that both the survey findings and accompanying analysis represented a valuable source of evidence for future transport planning and service development.

There was agreement that targeted advertising and different times for the meeting should be considered in the future.

Resolved:

1. That, the update be noted and,
2. That, the survey results and feedback be noted and,
3. That, the survey findings and accompanying analysis be shared with the OCC Public Transport Team, local bus operators and relevant transport working groups.

To receive correspondence from a resident of Newland, Witney regarding issues with speeding in that road. And note the results of speed monitoring which can be found in the OCC Report at Agenda Item 4a – Point 9 of that report.

The Committee considered correspondence from a resident together with speed survey data provided by Oxfordshire County Council. Officers advised that average speeds on both Newland and Cogges Hill Road remained above the posted 20mph limit, although generally within the range expected following the introduction of a 20mph scheme.

Higher vehicle speeds were recorded during school travel periods at both locations. Members noted that Cogges Hill Road, along with a number of other roads in the town, did not possess characteristics that naturally encouraged compliance with a 20mph speed limit.

The Committee discussed the potential for future highway and development-related improvements in the Oxford Hill area to introduce additional traffic calming measures and welcomed the opportunity for continued monitoring of vehicle speeds. It was also noted that both locations already formed part of the Community Speedwatch programme.

Resolved:

To receive correspondence requesting installation of measures to combat parking properties on Hailey Road. Additional information can be found in the OCC Report at Agenda Item 4a – Point 8 of that report.

The Committee considered correspondence concerning vehicles parking on grass verges and causing visibility problems for residents.

Officers advised that recent enforcement activity had resulted in penalty charge notices being issued and that the situation would continue to be monitored.

Resolved:

That, the correspondence and officer response be noted.

To receive correspondence requesting yellow lines to combat parking outside of Our Lady of Lourdes catholic school, Curbridge Road. Additional information can be found in the OCC Report at Agenda Item 4a – Point 8 of that report.

The Committee considered correspondence regarding parking associated with school drop-off and collection periods. Members discussed concerns relating to vehicle obstruction, pedestrian safety and crossing provision in the vicinity of the school.

Officers advised that engagement with the school would be undertaken in the first instance to encourage improvements in parking behaviour, with further measures considered if issues persisted. During discussion it was noted that the existing parking patterns also acted as an informal calming measure to traffic speeds along this section of Curbridge Road.

Resolved:

That, the correspondence and officer response be noted.

To receive and consider any pressing matters from members which may be added to the next meeting agenda for consideration.

Councillor A Prosser raised the issue of Quiet Lanes and queried whether routes within and around Witney could be considered as part of Oxfordshire County Council's developing programme. Officers advised that Town and Parish Councils were invited to submit locations for assessment against agreed criteria.

During discussion Members noted that Witney Town Council was currently considering a potential scheme for the road adjacent to St Mary's Church. The Chair observed that the Quiet Lanes initiative appeared more suited to rural areas than an urban environment such as Witney and the Parish Transport Representative noted that the impact on existing bus routes would need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Resolved:

That, the comments be noted.

To receive the dates of the 2026/27 municipal year meetings of Witney Traffic Advisory Committee for information.

22 September 2026

12 January 2027

23 March 2027

Members were advised that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on 22 September 2026.

Additional future meeting dates for 2026/27 were also advised as 12 January 2027 and 23 March 2027.