Agenda and minutes

To receive and consider apologies for absence.

Apologies for their absence were received from Cllr Fenton, Cllr Duncan, C Hulme (TVP), K Hickman (Windrush Bike Project), and M Wheatly (WODC).

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.

There were no members of the public present to address the committee.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee held on 22 March 2022 be approved and signed by the Chair.

T16 – Corndell Gardens/Corn Street. The Chair asked for an update on this item. No further updates were available from Oxfordshire County Council at this time. The Chair pressed on this item and reminded Officers that this has been on the agenda since January.

T17 – Terms of Reference. The Chair advised he had contacted the Chamber of Commerce about sending a representative to the meetings which they would discuss at their next meeting. Officers had confirmed there was no organised taxi group known by the licencing department at West Oxfordshire District Council.

a)      To receive and consider the report of the Principal Officer – Traffic Schemes Area Operations (North)

b)     To receive and consider the report of thePrincipal Officer – Traffic & Road Safety (North)

The committee received and considered the report of the Principal Officer concerning updates on several projects underway in Witney. Included within this were updates on the following; Windrush Bike Project Barriers Report, Schemes to be delivered from Windrush Place S106 funding, the Witney Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), the A40/B4022 Shores Green access, traffic restrictions on High Street, the Draft Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP), a Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme at Burwell Meadow, Public Transport at Windrush Place, parking restrictions at Avenue Two, the road closure at The Angel public house and pavement parking at Cogges Farm.

Members were advised that progress on the Bike Barriers had been slow, but progress was being made on inclusive mobility standards.

Members were also updated that communication was ongoing between Oxfordshire County Council and The Angel public house and a solution on external seating was required.

In relation to road markings and re-surfacing, members raised that sat nav markings were out of sync on Burford Road, that re-surfacing was required in Vanner Road, Chestnut Close, Orkney Close, Park Road and that suggestions for Ducklington roundabout markings had not been included on the current list. In response officers advised that a request for Vanner Road would need to be forwarded to the roads and drainage team and they were aware of works required at Ducklington roundabout. The Fix My Street process was explained to members and it was acknowledged further work was needed on responses in relation to resident requests.

Resolved:

1. That, the report be noted; and

2. With regards to Windrush Place S106 funded schemes, this committee will be provided with a programme of works from County Council officers as soon as the information is available, even if this is before the next meeting; and

4. A Programme Leader, had been appointed for potential new High Street proposals. The plans need to be put together by March 2023. Engagement with major stakeholders will be a key element; and

5. An ANPR survey is planned for traffic monitoring at Burwell Meadow, OCC Officers will advise when dates are known for the survey; and

6. The road surface at Windrush Place is now suitable for buses, S1 services will start in September; and

7. With regards to the new parking restrictions and associated works at Avenue Two, OCC Officers will be advising a timeline and programme of works.

Cllr D Enright joined the meeting at 2.55pm

Cllr A Prosser joined the meeting at 2.57pm

To consider correspondence from a resident regarding parking on double yellow lines near Cogges Farm.

The committee received and considered correspondence from a resident concerning parking issues near Cogges Farm.

Members were updated that following reports of parking on the verges and pavement opposite Cogges Farm, the installation of bollards on the verges was being explored by County Council officers. An update on a timeframe will be provided at the next meeting of this Committee.

Resolved:

That, the resident will be contacted with an update.

To consider matters raised by the Madley Park Residents Association regarding parking issues on the estate.

The committee received and considered correspondence from Madley Park Residents Association regarding parking issues at Madley Park.

A discussion was held and suggestions considered. Ideas included contacting the school and asking them to communicate the issue to parents, converting one of the grass verges to create additional parking and considering double yellow lines in areas where street parking is not safe.

Resolved:

1. That Oxfordshire County Council Officers will think about what improvement measures might be feasible; and

2. Councillor R Smith will report back to Madley Park residents’ association with an update and encourage residents to report any actual obstructions to Thames Valley Police.

To receive an update in respect of the 20mph scheme.

A copy of the minutes of the 20mph Working Party are attached.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Deputy Town Clerk to accompany the minutes of the Town Council’s 20mph Working Party.

Members were advised of the history of the scheme and that the Town Council had submitted proposals to the County Council. It had been confirmed the restrictions would be for all residential areas, including new developments such as Windrush Place and kingfisher Meadows. The Town Council had requested a final map showing the exact proposals for consultation but had been advised that wasn’t possible due to time constraints in going out to publication.

Resolved:

That, the verbal update be noted.

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

A member raised a query regarding the process on street signs for newly built developments. It was confirmed that although the roads are eventually adopted by Oxfordshire County Council, the signage is organised and installed by the developer.

The Enforcement of Corn Street parking restrictions and double yellow lines was raised again. It was acknowledged that this had not been addressed satisfactorily for a number of years. Members were hopeful that Oxfordshire County Council parking enforcement will take a more active approach with a priority on road safety.

With regard to active travel infrastructure, members raised concerns that the cycle lanes on Corn Street were dangerous and that a cycle section to Tower Hill needed to be completed. Members were hopeful that the LCWIP would address some of the issues, in the meantime members wanted to keep this item on the agenda due to its importance.

A member raised a wider question on how to ensure footpaths are returned to the way they were after work on them has been completed. Oxfordshire County Council Officers advised that any contractors have a responsibility to return the Highway to the condition pre-works. Further, Oxfordshire County Council have Local Management Inspectors who can check that highways are in the correct condition following works and can instruct highways are made good if they aren’t up to specification.

A member raised issues of parking on the verges at Quarry road and Madley Park, and other areas of Witney. It was advised Witney Town Council are receiving an increased number of reports of this type.

A member reported that unfortunately OCC had confirmed that the proposed bus route from Carterton to Swindon had been dropped due to the reduced amount of funding awarded by the Government. Cllr Enright advised there was a Bus Summit in the following week and hopefully an update could be provided at the next meeting. The bridging fund brought in during covid is due to expire in September.

A member expressed concern about any proposals for a LTN at Burwell. If this route were to be closed at peak times it would cause many issues. It was advised that the survey was requested to determine the number of cars and their use of Burwell Meadow – where are they coming from, and where are they going to. The data would be subject to analysis before any decisions were made.

Resolved:

1. That, OCC officers will check on the progress of the cycle lane section to Tower Hill; and

2. That, the issue of parking on grass verges is added as an agenda item for the next meeting of this committee; and

3. That Officers would seek an update on bus routes and funding following the June Bus Summit.

To receive the date of the next meeting of Witney Traffic Advisory Committee for information.

The Chair confirmed the date of the next meeting would be Tuesday 27 September and asked if members had a preference whether the meeting should be held in person, or virtually.

Resolved:

That, the Witney Traffic Advisory meeting to be held on 27 September 2022 be held in person.