Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of the Council, was scheduled to review reports and recommendations concerning traffic and parking regulations in Oxfordshire. The agenda included proposals for exemptions to low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) restrictions for urgent community responders, speed limit adjustments in Chipping Norton, and parking amendments in Iffley. These items were listed for potential decision under individual Cabinet Members’ delegated powers.

Urgent Community Responders and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

A report was prepared regarding a proposal to exempt Urgent Community Response (UCR) vehicles from automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera enforcement at restriction points within the Cowley and East Oxford low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs). The report noted that Oxford Health NHS Trust requested this exemption.

The restriction points under consideration were:

• Bartholomew Road
• Cornwallis Road
• Crescent Road
• Divinity Road
• James Street
• Littlehay Road
• Littlemore Road
• Magdalen Road

The report stated that UCR services are designed for patients facing a sudden health or social care crisis requiring urgent treatment at home within two hours, as mandated by NHS England. The report stated that without this service, patients might require ambulance attendance and potential hospital admission.

The report estimated that granting this exemption would only result in an additional 5 or 6 UCR vehicles on the city’s road network each day.

A formal consultation on the proposal took place between 20 March and 18 April 2025, with 210 responses received. Of these, 159 supported the proposal, 9 partially supported it, 28 objected, and 14 submitted a non-objection.

The report summarised the reasons for support:

Overall, the support for the proposal was based on how the new exemption for UCR vehicles would allow timely and effective medical care to those who urgently need it in their homes.

The report also summarised the objections and concerns, which included:

• Negative impacts on road safety, active travel and public health outcomes
• Compromising the purpose of the LTNs[^1]

• Exemption creep and enforcement

  [^1]: Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) are areas where through-traffic is discouraged or eliminated, often using physical barriers or traffic cameras. The aim is to create safer, quieter streets for residents, pedestrians, and cyclists.

• Requests for a wider healthcare worker vehicle exemption

• A need to review the exemptions

The report included officer responses to these concerns, stating that the additional traffic from UCR vehicles would be minimal and that the benefits of granting the exemption would outweigh any negative impacts.

Banbury Road, Chipping Norton – Proposed 40mph Speed Limit

A report was prepared regarding a proposal to extend the existing 40mph speed limit on Banbury Road leading north-eastwards out of Chipping Norton. The proposal also included the installation of two new bus stop clearways.

The proposals resulted from the development of adjacent land for residential purposes south of 'Hit or Miss Farm'. The extension of the 40mph speed limit would stretch to a point 40 metres southwest of its junction with the A3400 roundabout, replacing the current 60mph speed limit.

Formal consultation was carried out between 3 April and 2 May 2025. Five responses were received via the online consultation survey. Three supported the proposal, one partially supported, and one objected. Additionally, Thames Valley Police did not object, a local Town Councillor supported the proposals, and a member of the public did not object but highlighted the need for the proposed bus stops to facilitate regular bus services to Bloxham and Banbury.

The report addressed objections, stating that the reduced speed limit was appropriate due to the construction of a new access onto Banbury Road, two new bus stops, and a new informal pedestrian crossing point.

Church Way, Iffley – Proposed Parking Amendments

A report was prepared regarding proposals to introduce two new longer stay four-hour parking bays in Church Way & Mill Lane, Iffley.

The proposals followed a decision in November 2024 to approve the Controlled Parking Zone¹ for the wider Iffley area. Concerns were raised about the lack of longer parking provision spaces available for those using the St Mary’s Church facilities.

Formal consultation was carried out between 6 February and 21 March 2025. 21 responses were received via the online consultation survey, with 12 in support, five partially supporting, and four objections. Additionally, Thames Valley Police & Oxford Bus Company expressed no objections, and two local residents offered their support.

The 'Friends of Iffley Village' group response was in partial support, citing concerns about visual impact and requesting minimal signage.

The report summarised the key themes from the responses:

• Support for longer parking provision
• Insufficient number of spaces
• Inadequate time limit
• Visual impact and signage

The report responded to these concerns, stating that the proposed 4-hour limit would allow for a reasonable turnover of vehicles and that signage would be carefully considered to minimise visual impact in the conservation area.