Agenda item

To receive and consider a revised Traffic Regulation Order Plan for Avenue Two. From Jubb UK, on behalf of Travis Perkins.

The committee received amended plans submitted by the applicants agent in respect of a proposed Traffic Regulation Order at Avenue Two, Station Lane. It was clarified that the Town Council had objected to the original proposal and subsequently further discussions had been held to consider options for initiatives to ensure safe pedestrian and cyclist access in the area.

Members noted the additional measures proposed to improve safety including an allocated parking space, improved road markings, uncontrolled crossings and signage. Discussion ensued regarding parking options in the area and the committee emphasised that it was an active travel corridor.

It was agreed that the additional measures should be welcomed but that Oxfordshire County Council should be requested to look at carefully at making it a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists as part of the LCWIP.

Resolved:

That the following response be submitted:

Witney Town Council would like to re-affirm its earlier comments on the proposed Traffic Regulation Order for Avenue Two, Witney, due for decision later in March.

The Town Council thanks the applicants for their engagement on this matter and for their willingness to discuss the objections raised to the original application.

The provision of a parking space, improved signage, and road markings together with the provision of an uncontrolled crossing are all welcomed by the Town Council, providing they are deemed satisfactory to make this area safe by Oxfordshire County Council Highways.

On safety however, the Town Council must reiterate its previous concerns regarding pedestrians and cyclists and remain of the view that this should be the main priority on a busy active travel route; recent examples in Oxford have shown the safety of pedestrians and cyclists is compromised when in the vicinity of HGV’s or larger vehicles. If the revised scheme is approved, the Town Council requests that measures to maximise safety continue to be investigated by Oxfordshire County Council through the LCWIP.