Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and consider apologies for absence.

Apologies of absence were received from Tom Weaver (Pulham’s Coaches), Andrew Lyon (West Oxfordshire Community Transport), and Tony Hickman (Witney Taxi Representative).

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 representation from a resident. They raised concerns regarding infrastructure in Witney, highlighting a number of issues and expressing a wish for a more detailed discussion at a future meeting.

The Committee noted the request.

a) To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 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 20 January 2026.

T4 - Cllr A. Coles advised there was still nothing to report on the H2 bus service routing as no response had been received from Pulham’s Coaches. The Parish Transport Representative advised that the matter had been raised at the Parish Transport meeting the previous week and would be also followed up by that Committee.

Resolved:

1.      That, the minutes of the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee meeting held on 20 January 2026 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair and,

2.      That, the update in respect of the H2 service be noted.

During the following agenda item.

Cllr S Simpson joined the meeting at 3:09pm

Cllr R Smith joined the meeting at 3:16pm

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

Members received and considered a report from Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) providing updates on several transport and infrastructure matters across Witney. The Committee also received updates from Officers on actions raised at the January meeting.

Ducklington Lane / Thorney Leys Traffic Signals

Officers reported that both junctions had been checked and were operating without fault. The slip road queue detection system was functioning correctly, and the signals were operating in adaptive mode to respond to traffic flow. The current arrangement was considered the most effective and would continue to be monitored.

New Mill Lane, Crawley – Bridge Closure

Members were advised that the bridge remained closed due to structural issues. The scheme was included in the capital works programme; however, progress had been delayed due to ecological constraints. Replacement was expected between April and June, subject to conditions.

Oxfordshire County Council Flag Policy

The Committee received an update on the policy regarding flags on the highway. Members noted that flags on private property were permitted; however, placing flags on or near highways or street furniture was discouraged due to safety risks. Officers advised that unauthorised flags were being removed where necessary, particularly where they posed an immediate risk.

A40/B4022 Shores Green – Access to Witney

Officers advised that the scheme was progressing well, although adverse weather had required some resequencing of works. Completion was still anticipated to be early summer 2026, subject to site conditions. Further updates would be communicated via the Access to Witney updates on the OCC website.

Access to Witney Complementary Schemes – A4095 Re-designation

The Committee received an update on the re-designation of the A4095 and associated signage changes. Members were informed that a Councillor briefing was held on 12 February, with further work ongoing to align signage with the opening of the new slip roads.

Witney Paths and Crossings

A verbal update was provided, discussions were still ongoing between OCC and a potential contractor however there was no greater progress at this time.

Fiveways Roundabout

Members heard that it was anticipated that construction would commence within two months, although no confirmed dates were available.

King George V Recreation Ground Path

Design details were being finalised that week to enable costings to be provided by the contractor.

Loom Lane / Burford Road

Officers advised that parked vehicles near the junction were reducing visibility. ‘Keep Clear’ road markings would be implemented in the new financial year.

Resolved:

That, the report and verbal updates be noted.

To receive an update from Officers on the West Oxfordshire Lowlands Movement and Place (MAP) Plan. Additional Information can be found in the OCC Report at Agenda Item 4a – Point 3 of that report.

Officers advised that the Plan formed part of the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) adopted in 2022 and was undergoing stakeholder engagement ahead of public consultation in May. Adoption was expected in July.

A Member questioned how the Plan would align with the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). Officers confirmed the two plans were intended to work in conjunction.

The Chair encouraged Members to share the Plan with their organisations in preparation of responding once the public consultation opened and suggested it be sent to the Committee’s taxi representative who had sent apologies for this meeting.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Civil Enforcement Team. Additional Information can be found in the OCC Report at Agenda Item 4a – Point 9 of that report.

The Committee received an update covering the period 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.

Members were informed of patrol activity and the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued. The recruitment challenges for Civil Enforcement Officers nationally were noted. A tender process for a new contractor had commenced, with appointment expected in autumn 2026.

Members queried evening patrols, enforcement in Corn Street and Welch Way, and issues relating to pavement parking and kerb damage. Officers advised that any kerb damage should be reported via FixMyStreet.

Resolved:

That the update be noted.

To receive an update on the Introduction of ANPR camera to the High Street.

Additional Information can be found in the OCC Report at Agenda Item 4a – Point 10 of that report.

The Committee received an update on the introduction of ANPR cameras in Witney High Street.

Members heard that an exemption system would be introduced, allowing eligible users to register for continued access. Engagement with residents and businesses would take place prior to implementation. Enforcement was planned to commence following the completion of the High Street and Market Square works.

Members expressed their disappointment at the continued delay of the implementation of the scheme.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

To receive a verbal update from the Witney Town Community Speedwatch Co-ordinator, with accompanying TVP approved site list and statistics from previous monitoring sessions. Further general information about the scheme and wider statistics can be viewed on the Community Speedwatch website here Community Speedwatch Online

The Committee received the report of the Deputy Town Clerk along with a verbal update from Cllr A. Coles who was the co-ordinator for the Witney Town scheme. The report consisted of statistics of the group over the last year and since its introduction. This also included the number of vehicles over the speed thresholds in those times and details of action followed up on by Thames Valley Police.

Members heard that during the session held at Tower Hill on 9 March 2026, 163 vehicles were monitored, with 32 recorded speeding, the highest of which was recorded travelling at 48mph in the 20mph zone.

The Chair thanked volunteers for their work. Members asked that reports be provided annually and raised the possibility of increased enforcement.

The Thames Valley Police representative advised that enforcement by TVP in 20mph zones was not routinely prioritised unless significant risks were evidenced. The Deputy Town Clerk advised he was due to meet with a representative of the TVP neighbourhood policing team to see how they may be able to support the Speedwatch scheme.

Resolved:

1. That the report and verbal updates be noted and,
2. That, Witney Town Community Speedwatch team statistics are shared with the Committee annually.

To receive an update from members present on any public transport matters, if appropriate.

The Committee received verbal updates from the Parish Transport Representative and Stagecoach.

Members were advised that a bus service review was scheduled for August, with no major changes currently planned. The MyBus scheme had been shortlisted for an award, however again fares had increased due to its popular demand.

Members were pleased to hear that West Oxfordshire Community Transport had secured funding towards the conversion of two diesel minibuses into fully electric vehicles.

Stagecoach confirmed that fuel prices were not currently a concern and that the Oxford Tube had introduced weekend services to London from Witney. Members also heard that the S2 service to Cheltenham would now be operated by Pulham’s.

Members discussed potential for new routes; however, constraints and current priorities meant no changes were planned until Botley Road reopened. Once this happened services would be reviewed with the use of Eynsham Park & Ride to be included which it was confirmed could also be used to promote access into Witney.

The Committee was also advised that the annual Witney Bus User’s Meeting had been rescheduled for 19^th May, from September, to help facilitate discussion on services ahead of review in August. A survey was being prepared by Witney Town Council to gain feedback on current services.

Resolved:

That, the verbal updates be noted.

To note safety improvements at the entrance to Loom Lane, Witney.

Additional Information can be found in the OCC Report at Agenda Item 4a – Point 8 of that report.

This item had been forwarded on receipt to OCC and a decision to install lining had been taken as advised earlier in the meeting.

Members noted the proposed ‘Keep Clear’ markings.

Resolved:

That the request be noted.

To receive a request for Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) digital display at the Oxford Hill/Cogges Hill Road stop.

The Committee heard of a request for Real Time Passenger Information at the Oxford Hill / Cogges Hill Road bus stop.

Members heard that OCC had advised this would be considered as part of the 2026/27 programme.

Resolved:

That the request be noted.

To receive a request from a resident for OCC to provide details of their plans to carry out necessary road repairs along with timescales for the works.

Members received correspondence from a resident regarding the state of the roads in and around Witney .

Cllr J Robertshaw advised a meeting on pothole management was scheduled at OCC. All three of the OCC Councillors were asked to take forward the thoughts of residents and request improvements.

Additional concerns were raised about reporting issues and lack of clear schedules. In response to a Member’s question OCC Officer confirmed they would circulate details on how claims could be made for vehicle damage and how they were dealt with by OCC

Resolved:

1. That, OCC Officers circulate information on OCC claims and,
2. That, OCC Councillor Members raise the issues further.

Cllr D Edwards-Hughes left the meeting at 4pm

To receive a request from the Taxi Driver Representative for an update on the failure of the road surface on High Street, opposite the Market Square.

A Pothole problem has been found - Viewing a problem :: FixMyStreet

The Committee heard that the Taxi Representative had raised the ongoing issue with the failure of the road outside Sandwich de Witney. Officers advised that a notice of works was being pursued, and repairs were expected to take place the following week.

Resolved:

1. That, the update be noted and,
2. That, the update is provided to the taxi representative

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 4 of that report.

The Committee received an update from the project team. Subject to approval of the full Business Case and Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) at the OCC cabinet members meeting on 26 March 2026, mobilisation was expected to begin in April, with main works from May and completion targeted ahead of the Christmas trading period.

A works compound would be located in the long stay area of the Woolgate Car Park (Zone G). Officers outlined the importance of ongoing engagement which would include public information events and an onsite liaison to ensure residents and businesses are informed of progress.

Members raised concerns regarding the location of the works compound and its potential impact on market traders, retail employees, temporary and agreed taxi ranks, overall parking availability, and the impact on town events such as Witney Carnival and Witney Pride parades.

Resolved:

1. That the update be noted.
2. That, the Town Council corresponds with groups running local events to advise them of the work and timeline.

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

Cllr A Prosser advised the Committee there was a ‘Go Electric Event’ in Witney on the coming Saturday. There would be a host of people attending including charging infrastructure providers.

No further matters were raised.

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

Members were advised that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on 30 June 2026.

Additional dates for 2026/27 were:

22 September 2026

12 January 2027

23 March 2027