The Cabinet of Oxfordshire Council met on Tuesday 19 May 2026 to discuss several key issues, approving plans for the Oxford Congestion Charge Investment Plan and the Quiet Lanes Policy & Pilot Programme. The Cabinet also noted the release of the Best Start in Life Plan.

Oxford Congestion Charge Investment Plan

The Cabinet approved the Oxford Congestion Charge Investment Plan, which outlines how surplus income generated by the temporary congestion charge will be used. A key decision was to introduce a £3 combined parking and bus ticket for park and ride users, replacing the current free park and ride offer, as soon as practically possible after 1 June 2026. Amendments to the council's Fees and Charges for 2026/27 were also approved. Authority was delegated to the Cabinet Member for Transport Management for the allocation of any remaining unallocated surplus and the apportionment of funds for Active travel and additional public transport schemes .

During the discussion, Councillor James Fry expressed delight at the proposed investments for city residents, particularly improvements to pedestrian safety at several junctions. However, he noted the omission of the Rose Hill/Henley Avenue/Church Way junction and sought clarification on the intended beneficiaries of the free or discounted NHS and Schools bus travel, specifically asking if agency workers and staff from non-school educational establishments would be included. Councillor Bekah Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, explained that funding was limited and that improvements to the Rose Hill junction could be considered when funding becomes available, potentially influenced by the forthcoming traffic filter trial. She clarified that the NHS and school travel offers are designed to support a shift from car to bus at car-dependent employment sites, and that eligibility criteria would be determined in consultation with NHS and schools colleagues.

Councillor Emma Garnett was pleased that the investment plan had been referred back for more ambitious schemes, but expressed concern that the largest share of revenue was subsidising park and ride users, potentially incentivising car use for most of a journey. She questioned whether more revenue could be redirected to public transport schemes that do not rely on car ownership. Councillor Fletcher responded that the congestion charge had already delivered bus journey time and reliability improvements, including the introduction of 172 electric buses. She stated that the free park and ride offer indirectly benefits those without cars by supporting traffic reduction and bus service improvements. She also highlighted the existing allocations for free or discounted bus travel for NHS and school staff (£720k) and for active travel (£700k).

Councillor Susanna Pressel proposed spending some of the money on improving the entrance to the Westgate car park to alleviate weekend tailbacks that paralyse city centre streets. Councillor Fletcher explained that widening the bridge over Castle Mill Stream and the approach road would cost an estimated £5m-£10m and £3m-£5m respectively, would take years to implement, and would compromise aims to improve Oxpens Road for active travel. She added that additional road capacity would likely encourage more driving, making the investment short-lived. The proposed congestion charge investment plan includes funding for discounted park and ride travel, which is expected to continue to undercut Westgate parking costs.

Best Start in Life Plan

The Cabinet was recommended to note the release of the Best Start in Life Plan and share any feedback about its content. This plan sets out a shared ambition for every child in Oxfordshire to have the best possible start in life, with families receiving the right support at the right time. The plan focuses on the period from pregnancy to school entry and aligns national policy with local priorities, strengthening joint working across health, early years, education, early help, and the voluntary and community sector, with a focus on prevention and reducing inequalities. The plan sets ambitious local targets, aiming for 79.8% of all eligible children and 59.8% of free school meal eligible children to achieve a Good Level of Development by 2028. The delivery of the plan will be overseen by the Children's Trust Board, with a Best Start in Life Plan Steering Group responsible for prioritising the plan, tracking progress, and addressing risks.

Quiet Lanes Policy & Pilot Programme

The Cabinet approved the county council's Quiet Lanes Policy statement, assessment criteria, and implementation toolkit. They also endorsed the proposed approach to implementing and testing the policy through a programme of pilot schemes in 2026/27. Authority was delegated to the Director of Environment & Highways, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport Management, to bring into operation Traffic Regulation Orders for the pilot schemes.

The policy aims to improve the safety and usability of rural roads for walking, cycling, wheeling, and equestrian travel by restricting motor vehicle traffic and reducing speeds, typically to 20mph. The approach will be locally led, with schemes expected to be proposed by parish or town councils and supported by local county councillors. A £250,000 capital allocation has been made for the pilot phase. Councillor James Fry raised concerns about the policy needing to include low traffic routes in urban areas and questioned whether a physical barrier was an absolute requirement, fearing residents on the wrong side might be opposed. Councillor Bekah Fletcher explained that while initially focusing on rural areas, the policy is designed to be applicable to all areas, and that physical barriers would be explored during the pilot phase, with locations determined in close consultation with local communities. She added that sign-only schemes have not been effective in reducing traffic flow and speed.

Reports from Scrutiny Committees

The Cabinet received a report from the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Domestic Abuse - Safe Accommodation Provision. The Cabinet will respond in due course.

Appointments 2026/27

This item was deferred to the next appropriate meeting.

Forward Plan and Future Business

The Cabinet noted the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings.

Questions from County Councillors

Questions were raised by Councillor James Fry regarding the Oxford Congestion Charge Investment Plan and the Quiet Lanes Policy & Pilot Programme. Councillor Susanna Pressel also asked about the Oxford Congestion Charge Investment Plan and the Quiet Lanes Policy. Councillor Susanna Pressel also raised a question regarding the entrance to the Westgate car park. Councillor Susanna Pressel also asked why the report on the Congestion Charge Investment Plan and the report on the Quiet Lanes Policy did not come to Place Scrutiny prior to coming to Cabinet. Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, responded to Councillor Pressel's question about scrutiny, stating that it is for the Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee to determine its own work programme.

The meeting also included the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 21 April 2026.