Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and consider apologies for absence.

Apologies of absence were received from Cllr M Brooker, Tom Weaver (Pulham’s Coaches) Jordon Slater attended as a substitute, Trevor Bayliss (Stagecoach), and Andrew Lyon (West Oxfordshire Community Transport ).

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Committee for the current Municipal Year as agreed at the last meeting (minute no. T93 refers)

Nominations were sought for the position of Vice Chair for the remainder of the municipal year as agreed as a change to the terms of reference at the last meeting.

It was proposed and duly seconded that Cllr Andrew Coles be elected Vice Chair. There being no other nominations it was:

Resolved:

That, Councillor Andrew Coles be elected Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee for the remainder of the 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.

One member of the public was present in person at the meeting. With the permission of the Chair, it was agreed that participation be deferred and that he may take part in the discussion on agenda item 6, Community Speedwatch update as he was a volunteer of the group and his comments were pertinent to the discussion.

a) To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 23 September 2025.

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 23 September 2025.

T101 (3) – Cllr A Coles advised there was nothing to report on the H2 bus service routing.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee meeting held on 23 September 2025 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

During the following item Cllr R Smith arrived at 3:17pm

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 the Shores Green scheme (Access to Witney), the Witney Paths and Crossings programme, the Fiveways Roundabout Vision Zero scheme, Section 106 (S106) funding, St Mary’s Churchyard cycle signage, a new path at King George V Recreation Ground, the speed signage review, flooding on the Wood Green path, service tendering, and the areas proposed for inclusion in the lining refurbishment schedule.

Access to Witney – Shores Green

OCC officers advised that work on the scheme was ongoing and remained on track for completion in summer 2026. As part of the project, complementary measures were being implemented, including the re-designation of the A4095 and updates to road traffic signage across Witney.

Members thanked officers for their work but noted that the update focused on pedestrian access, with no reference to cycling provision. It was agreed that a member briefing session on the re-designation changes would be requested.

Witney Paths and Crossings

The Committee received an update on progress across the scheme. Officers advised that there had been delays to the procurement process for both projects and that work was underway to provide an updated timetable.

Fiveways Roundabout – Vision Zero Programme

Members were advised that a scheme for a parallel crossing on the Welch Way arm had been approved by OCC. Initial pre-construction work had commenced, with construction anticipated to begin in spring 2026.

Section 106 Programme

Officers advised that procurement was underway for a Colwell Brook path and a zebra crossing on Witan Way. Statutory consultations would take place once the projects were ready to progress.

St Mary’s Churchyard Cycle Signage

The Committee was informed that cycle signage to clarify local cycle routes had been added to a future signage list; however, costs remained a barrier. A meeting with the Town Council was required to explore how the project could be taken forward.

King George V Recreation Ground Path

Members were advised that this scheme, as identified in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, was progressing. Specifications had been agreed, and engagement had taken place with the Town Council as landowner.

It was confirmed that the proposed path would not impact the community orchard planted by the Town Council in recent years, and the next steps were outlined in the report.

Lining Refurbishment Schedule

OCC officers informed the Committee of forthcoming lining refurbishment works in Witney, which Members welcomed. It was noted that this time of year was particularly challenging for potholes, and Members asked whether repair teams could also undertake minor repairs to priority kerbs while on site. It was further noted that one of the areas identified for relining, Mill Street, might be affected by a significant ongoing water leak.

Updates on the remaining matters contained within the report would be provided under subsequent agenda items.

Resolved:

1.      That, the updates from OCC officers be noted.

To receive an update from the Civil Enforcement Team on parking measures and ANPR as appropriate.

Members were advised no report or update had been provided on matters relating to civil enforcement or ANPR in Witney High Street.

It was requested that the subject be added to the agenda of the Committee as it was a substantive item. Members were keen to explore further the issues across the town and in particular the ANPR implementation for the High Street and the Corn Street & Church Green parking schemes.

Resolved:

1.      That, the above comments be noted and,

2.      That, the subject be added to the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.

Witney Town Council has received the attached correspondence regarding a new response team established by Oxfordshire County Council. A list of small projects is currently being considered by Council Members. Members of this Committee are invited to submit any further suggestions to officers for consideration.

The Deputy Town Clerk provided details of a new Highways Asset Response Team, information on which had been shared with Witney Town Council by Oxfordshire County Council.

Members expressed some confusion about where this team sat within the hierarchy of highways engagement and its relationship to Fix My Street. Officers explained that the Town Council had compiled a list of “quick wins” for highways issues, which had been forwarded to Oxfordshire County Council. The Committee was advised to note this, and Members were asked to report any issues they identified via Fix My Street and to email the details to the Committee Clerk.

Resolved:

1.      That, the details of the OCC Highways Asset Response Team be noted and,

2.      That, members raise any items meeting the criteria on Fix My Street, and then send to Town Council officers to follow up, as appropriate.

To receive a verbal report of the Deputy Town Clerk, Witney Town Council.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Deputy Town Clerk, who advised that no sessions had taken place since last summer due to a shortage of volunteers and other unforeseen circumstances. A session was scheduled to take place in early February.

The Committee then invited comments from a member of the public, who expressed the view that the group was not operating as effectively as it could, citing concerns around the location and timing of sessions, as well as the level of follow-up enforcement by TVP.

The CS co-ordinator, Cllr A. Coles, provided a further update and response. He advised that the volunteers deserved the Committee’s thanks and confirmed that an additional Speedwatch co-ordinator was being sought to help share the workload involved in organising sessions. He also explained that the group was required to operate within the locations, timings and rules set by the TVP scheme, although a review of the group’s operation would be welcomed.

The locations, which had been agreed by this Committee, were positioned near vulnerable areas such as schools and care homes. The scheme had been well received and had monitored over 300 vehicles during the past two years. The TVP representative advised that vehicles exceeding the speed thresholds would be followed up, provided the submitted details were accurate. However, it was noted that any review of the 20mph speed limits would fall under the remit of the County Council’s Vision Zero team, which was agreed to be a separate matter.

Resolved:

1.      That, the verbal updates from all parties be noted and,

2.      That, a review of the Witney Town Community Speedwatch scheme is undertaken by the Deputy Town Clerk ahead of the next meeting and,

3.      That, sessions continue as planned in the meantime.

Following the discussion of Speedwatch – a member of public left at 4:15pm

To receive an update from the Witney High Street Project team (to follow).

With the Chair’s permission, this item was taken later in the agenda to allow the County Officer to provide a more comprehensive update.

The Programme Lead acknowledged Members’ frustration with delays to the project and addressed concerns raised at a meeting with town councillors the previous week.

In relation to ANPR enforcement, responsibility had transferred to a different team, and a tender for the procurement of cameras would be issued shortly.

Regarding street furniture, further engagement was required, particularly with the Town Council. However, this would not delay the start of the project, as street furniture was scheduled for a later phase. Most of the seating would be retained, with changes mainly affecting the northern section of the High Street, where orientation would be reviewed.

Discussion then moved to the anticipated start of works. Members noted that a temporary bus shelter would be required at Langdale Gate and reiterated ongoing concerns regarding taxi spaces. It was also hoped that the project team would work collaboratively to address existing infrastructure defects, such as potholes. Officers advised that works were expected to commence in April and last approximately six months.

Members welcomed the update but expressed unanimous concern over the length of time the project was taking. While funding issues were acknowledged, Members felt that reputational damage to OCC was being caused.

The Officer advised that a schedule of works was being prepared and that a public event to mark the start of the works was planned. Final approval would be sought from the Council in February.

Resolved:

That, the verbal update be noted.

During the discussions about the High Street – Cllr T Ashby left the meeting at 4:30pm

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

The Committee received a verbal update from Witney’s Independent Community Transport representative, who advised that there had been significant changes to the S2 and S2X services. The route 64 service to Swindon which it was hoped would be improved  had remained unchanged. He also noted that several services would be coming up for tender by the County Council in August and advised that My Bus ticket prices had increased due to a surge in demand.

The representative from Pulham’s was questioned about school childern drop-off and engine idling at the Windrush Leisure Centre, as well as concerns relating to the H2 service on Corn Street. He advised that he was not aware of the specific issues but would refer them to the company’s Compliance Officer.

Considering potential changes to services, it was suggested that the annual Witney Bus Users’ Meeting, traditionally held in the autumn, may be more beneficial if held in the spring, to allow feedback and views on services to be gathered ahead of any proposed changes.

Resolved:

1.      That, the verbal updates and responses be noted and,

2.      That, the Annual Bus Users Meeting be re-arranged for the Spring, with the date and time delegated to the Deputy Town Clerk and Chair.

The remaining member of the public left at 4:40pm.

To receive an update on this issue from Witney Town Council.

The Deputy Town Clerk advised of the Town Council’s position on purchasing VAS signs for Witney as agreed at its Stronger Communities Committee meeting on 17 November 2025.

The cost of VAS were provided again and it was understood there was no current funding avenue for purchase. An audit to re-purpose redundant signs in other areas had been requested by the town council.

Resolved:

That, the update and position of Witney Town Council be noted.

To note a complaint received by Councillors from a resident of Richmond Village regarding the height of the roundabout. Witney Town Council is responsible for the planting, which will be changed to low-level wildflowers. However, concerns have been raised about the height of the roundabout structure itself.

The Deputy Town Clerk reported that the issue had been raised by a resident of Richmond Village and brought forward by Cllr Ashby.

It was noted that the Town Council would undertake low-level wildflower planting in the spring. County Council officers advised that the roundabout had been in place for many years and that, while sightlines could be challenging due to the junction’s topography, a new pedestrian crossing was planned. With the addition of the crossing and lower-level planting, officers advised that there were unlikely to be further measures that could be taken.

Resolved:

That, the above comments be noted.

To receive correspondence from Cllr Ashby concerning this junction.

The Deputy Town Clerk reported that the issue had been brought forward by Cllr Ashby. As he had had to leave the meeting, Cllr Coles presented the issue to the Committee.

The issue related to the traffic light configuration at the eastbound A40 slip road. Currently, there were regular tailbacks on Thorney Leys, Ducklington Lane and Station Lane.

OCC officers advised that the scheme had been designed and implemented in 2014 to give priority to traffic exiting the A40, to prevent queuing back onto a busy A road. However, they confirmed that the signals team would be asked to review the current configuration.

Resolved:

1.      That, the issue be noted and,

2.      That, County Council officers ask the Signals team to review the schedule of lights changing.

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

Cllr J. Robertshaw raised a query regarding traffic-calming measures on Cogges Hill Road. An OCC officer advised that, as the East Witney development progressed through outline planning, there would be trigger points for investment and associated timescales set out within the relevant legal agreements.

Cllr S. Simpson reported that two bridges at New Mill Lane were currently out of action. It was agreed that these issues would be reported to the OCC Bridges Team.

Cllr R. Smith requested an update on the progress of the OCC flag policy and asked for a further update on drainage issues at Buttercross Lane to be provided at the next meeting.

Cllr A. Prosser asked whether an updated schedule of road-surfacing works would be made available. Officers advised that this information was publicly accessible on the OCC website and confirmed that a link would be circulated to Members. Cllr S. Simpson also raised a query regarding hatching schemes.

Resolved:

That, the items raised be noted and forwarded to the necessary organisation or scheduled on the next agenda of the Committee as appropriate.

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

Members were advised the next meeting of the Committee would be held on 17 March 2026.

Oxfordshire County Council officers advised that, as with this meeting, there was a clash with a scheduled Council meeting which was likely to result in reduced officer attendance and therefore asked whether an alternative date could be considered.

The Chair noted that March was a particularly busy period for Town Council meetings, OCC officers confirmed that the date could remain unchanged however it may mean that some may arrive later to the meeting and asked that the Committee understand if the Agenda is adjusted to allow for this.

Resolved:

1.      That, the date of the next meeting remain as 17 March 2026.