Councillor Liz Leffman, Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, approved the release of £4 million in capital drainage funding and deferred a decision on seasonal and year-round width restrictions for roads in Letcombe Regis. The meeting also saw the approval of a contract for maintenance works on the A40 Dukes Cut Wolvercote Bridge.

Capital Reserves for Drainage Infrastructure

The Cabinet Member approved the release of £1.7 million to the capital drainage budget for 2026/27 and £2.3 million for 2027/28. This funding, drawn from capital earmarked reserves for Drainage Infrastructure, aims to address drainage issues identified across the network. The additional budget will support repairs to damaged gullies, an increased investigation and jetting operation, and a programme of improvement schemes, aligning with the council's Greener Oxfordshire priority in its Strategic Plan 2025-2028. The report highlighted 49 proposed improvement schemes for the 2026/27 Annual Plan.

A40 HIF2 Dukes Cut Wolvercote Bridge Maintenance Works

The Cabinet Member approved the award of a contract to M-Group Highways Limited for the HIF2 – Wolvercote Bridge Strengthening and Maintenance Works Scheme. The estimated total value of the contract is £4,855,610 (excluding VAT). The contract, procured under the Pagabo Civil and Infrastructure Framework, will be delivered in two stages: Stage 1 involves early contractor involvement and enabling works to develop the design and target price, with Stage 2 being the main construction works. These works are crucial for the HIF2 – Eynsham to Wolvercote scheme and are essential for supporting housing and employment growth in West Oxfordshire.

Green Road and Bisecting Byway, Letcombe Regis Seasonal and Width Restriction TRO

A decision on introducing seasonal and year-round width restrictions on Green Road and a bisecting byway in Letcombe Regis was deferred. The proposals aimed to prohibit motor vehicles wider than 1.6 metres, seasonally on Green Road and year-round on the bisecting byway, to maintain safety and address surface damage. While supporting the principle of protecting the byways, concerns were raised by various stakeholders, including the British Horse Society and the Shifford Carriage Driving Group, regarding the potential impact on disabled users and the design of any enforcement barriers. The Green Lane Association also raised objections, arguing that the proposals were not sufficiently evidence-led or proportionate and that alternative maintenance solutions should be prioritised. The deferral allows for further consideration of these objections and potential amendments.