Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and consider apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A Coles(OCC) and J Aitman (WTC)

Apologies were also received from C Hulme (Thames Valley Police), A Lyon (West Oxfordshire Community Transport) & A Bullock (Witney Chamber of Commerce) who was substituted by R Steere.

To elect a Chair of the Committee for the forthcoming year.

The Chair called for nominations for the position of Chair of the Committee.

It was proposed that Councillor D Enright continue as Chair. There being no other nominations it was:

Resolved:

That, Councillor D Enright be elected Chair of the Committee for the 2026/27 municipal year.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Committee for the forthcoming year.

The Chair called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Committee.

It was proposed that Councillor A Coles continue as Vice Chair. There being no other nominations it was:

Resolved:

That, Councillor A Coles be elected Vice Chair of the Committee for the 2026/27 municipal year.

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 was no public participation.

a) To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2026.

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

The minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2026 were received and approved as a correct record.

T35(3) Members were pleased to hear from OCC Officers that the South Leigh Turn bus shelter had been reinstated.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2026 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

To review the Committee Terms of Reference and consider any changes. The current TOR’s are attached.

The committee considered whether any changes were needed to the current Terms of Reference.

Members suggested that representation from Thames Travel be invited in place of Pulhams and that a Civility and Respect Pledge statement similar to that of Witney Town Council’s be incorporated.

Resolved:

1.       That, the Terms of Reference be approved subject to the replacement of Pulhams with Thames Travel as a representative organisation; and

That, a Civility and Respect Pledge be incorporated.

Cllr R Smith joined the meeting at 3:12pm.

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

The Committee received updates from Oxfordshire County Council on a range of transport projects and initiatives.

Movement and Place Plan

Members were advised that consultation on the West Oxfordshire Lowlands Movement and Place Plan had closed and responses were being reviewed. The Committee noted that the West End Link Road had been removed from the emerging plan following cost and value for money assessments. Members welcomed the offer from OCC for a separate councillor briefing on the matter.

Access to Witney (Shores Green Junction)

The Committee noted that the junction was now fully operational and that traffic monitoring would continue over the coming months. Members welcomed the improvements delivered which included the resurfacing of the upper part of Oxford Hill however, they highlighted signage concerns at the Oxford Hill approach.

Deer Park & Madley Park Paths and Crossings

The Committee noted progress with procurement and project governance for the long-awaited delivery of the projects. Members were advised that final programme details were expected shortly, with the intention of commencing works as soon as possible.

King George’s Field Path

The Committee welcomed completion of the path improvement scheme and noted that further investigation would be undertaken into reports of the initial surface water pooling.

Church Green Traffic Issues

The Committee noted the response from Oxfordshire County Council regarding speeding concerns and signage within the conservation area. Members discussed whether additional investigation may be warranted should further concerns be raised by residents.

Witney High Street Improvement Scheme

The Committee received a detailed update on progress with the High Street Improvement Scheme from the Programme Lead and noted that works remained on programme, with completion anticipated in early November 2026.

Members were advised that progress had continued across a number of workstreams, including drainage infrastructure, paving, utility diversions and preparation for the installation of street furniture and landscaping.

The Committee noted that a temporary full closure of part of the High Street was likely to be required to facilitate essential drainage works and that discussions were continuing regarding the timing of these works and the associated traffic management arrangements.

The representative from Witney Chamber of commerce led the discussions on the impact of the works on businesses, residents, public transport operators and visitors to the town centre. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of clear and timely communication regarding changing traffic arrangements, road closures, pedestrian routes and bus stop locations.

Members welcomed reassurances that efforts were being made to maintain access to businesses throughout the construction period but expressed concern that some recent scheme amendments had not been widely communicated before becoming public. In response, the officer acknowledged the importance of continued engagement with local stakeholders and advised that further updates would be issued as the project progressed.

The Majority of the discussion focussed on the public realm aspects of the scheme. Members considered the news for revised planting proposals and opportunities to increase the amount of landscaping, greening and biodiversity within the completed streetscape. The Committee welcomed the intention to improve the  ...  view the full minutes text for item T51

To receive and consider the report of the Civil Enforcement Team.

The Committee received an update on on-street parking enforcement within Witney.

Members highlighted concerns regarding vehicles parking close to temporary bus stops introduced as part of the High Street Improvement Scheme, noting the potential impact on bus operations and passenger access.

Officers agreed to raise these concerns with the enforcement contractor and request appropriate monitoring of affected locations.

Resolved:

That, concerns regarding parking at temporary bus stop locations be referred to the Civil Enforcement contractor for consideration and targeted enforcement where appropriate.

To receive an update from Officers.

The Committee received an update on Community Speedwatch activity in Witney.

Members were advised that Councillor Andrew Coles would be stepping down as Community Speedwatch Co-ordinator and that the last monitoring session had taken place in April 2026.

The Committee noted that, should the scheme remain inactive for a period of six months, the speed monitoring equipment would need to be returned to Thames Valley Police.

Members thanked Councillor Coles for his work in supporting the initiative and discussed the need to recruit additional volunteers to enable the scheme to continue.

Resolved:

1. That, Councillor Andrew Coles be thanked for his contribution to Community Speedwatch; and

That, opportunities to recruit additional volunteers be promoted through the Town Council's website and social media channels.

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

The Committee received updates from Stagecoach and the public transport representative.

Members were advised that the reopening of Botley Road had enabled significant revisions to local bus services, including the return of the S1 to its usual route and the introduction of the S1A, serving the Windrush Estate and providing a combined 15-minute frequency between Witney and Oxford. Representatives welcomed the improvements already delivered and noted that further benefits were expected once the High Street scheme had been completed.

It was highlighted that the revised timetable had also improved provision for the Range Road and Colwell Green areas, which were now served every 30 minutes. Members welcomed the positive improvements being seen across the local network.

A concern was raised regarding the reliability of on-board audio announcements. In response, Stagecoach acknowledged that some issues had been experienced but advised that these had been addressed and were believed to have now been resolved.

Resolved:

That, the update be noted.

To receive and consider a response to the consultation by Oxfordshire County Council regarding a Zebra crossing at Witan Way, Witney.

The Committee considered the proposed zebra crossing near to Station Lane’s Avenue One.

Members discussed the proposed location, pedestrian desire lines and potential impacts on traffic movement. Overall support was expressed for the principle of the crossing however, due to the various nuanced opinions Members were encouraged to submit individual consultation responses.

Resolved:

That, the proposal be welcomed and individual members submit consultation responses as appropriate.

To receive and consider a request from OCC for feedback on the 20mph schemes.

The Committee welcomed the request for feedback on the 20mph Speed Limit Scheme.

Members acknowledged data indicating a reduction in accidents following the introduction of the scheme and welcomed this as an encouraging outcome. However, it was noted that some residents appeared to continue driving at speeds they considered appropriate regardless of the posted limit, leading to concerns regarding compliance and enforcement. Discussion focussed on the need for improved signage, particularly on routes into the town and in outlying areas such as Thorney Leys, where additional 30mph reminder signs were considered beneficial. Conversely, some members questioned the value of signage in short cul-de-sac locations where traffic speeds were already low.

The Committee discussed the impact of the blanket 20mph approach, with particular reference to public transport. Members noted that buses were required to adhere to all speed restrictions throughout their routes, whilst private motorists could often avoid some of the affected roads. It was reported that the average speed of the S1 service was around 17mph, creating challenges in maintaining competitive journey times with car users.

Members also considered the potential use of Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) to improve driver awareness and compliance. It was suggested that the Town Council could consider such measures as part of future budget discussions and that funding opportunities may be available through Oxfordshire County Council members' discretionary funding allocations.

Whilst welcoming the reported reduction in accidents, members expressed the view that a more detailed review of the scheme's wider impacts would be beneficial, including consideration of concerns that lower speeds could result in traffic becoming more closely grouped in some locations, potentially affecting opportunities for pedestrians to cross the road.

It was agreed that the comments raised during the discussion should be submitted as the Committee's response to the review, whilst individual members would remain free to submit their own representations.

Resolved:

That, the comments of the Committee be forwarded as part of the consultation response.

To receive correspondence from a resident of Church Green.

Please also refer to Item 7 in the OCC Report at Agenda Item 7a.

The Committee noted that the matters raised under this item had been addressed under the Place, Planning & Coordination item on the agenda.

To note feedback from a resident regarding the King George Path Project.

The Committee noted that the matters raised under this item had been addressed under the Place, Planning & Coordination item on the agenda.

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

Members were reminded of the consultation on the West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2043 and encouraged to submit comments where relevant to transport matters.

The Town Council also advised that works were being considered to address vegetation and visibility issues on the Curbridge Road roundabout near Richmond Village, and assistance with traffic management arrangements would be sought from Oxfordshire County Council

Resolved:

That, the updates be noted.

To receive the dates of the next meetings of Witney Traffic Advisory Committee for information.

12 January 2027

23 March 2027

The next meeting of the Committee would be held on 12 January 2027.