Agenda item

To receive notification of the Public Engagement for the proposed A40 Eynsham Park & Ride to Wolvercote Scheme.

https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/A40EynshamToWolvercote

The Committee received and considered the notification of public engagement for the A40 Eynsham Park & Ride to Wolvercote scheme.

Members welcomed the scheme however had concerns which formed the response.

Witney Town Council welcomes the public consultation on the plans for the A40 Eynsham Park & Ride to Wolvercote Scheme however, it has concerns that they ask are acknowledged and addressed.

·        The Witney to Eynsham section is the slowest current section for users of the A40 route into Oxford, this section is no longer to see improvements as originally discussed therefore no through link is to be provided to Witney.

·        The Council welcomes the improvements to bike routes and priority bus lanes.

·        No clear mention is made of the future of Cuckoo Lane. The Council ask that the two-way access remains as currently. This provides an important alternative route when needed to safely disperse traffic in a safe and coordinated manner

·        The Council expects Witney, as the second largest service centre on the A40 route, to be highlighted as a destination for all users.

·        Flooding – The November 2024 flooding incidents which led to the severe restriction and eventual closure of the A40 road and cycle paths illustrated the importance for a plan to ensure the transfer of users across the proposal area in the event of future flooding events.

Members also agreed that all ward Councillors should be encouraged to submit their own submissions to the scheme as well as asking residents to submit their own thoughts.

Resolved:

1.      That, the correspondence be noted and,

2.      That, the above response be submitted to Oxfordshire County Council and,

3.      That, all Witney Town Council members be encouraged to submit responses on behalf of their ward members.