The Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Highway Construction and Repair meeting on Thursday 16 July 2026 saw the approval of significant funding for drainage infrastructure and the decision to defer a ruling on seasonal and year-round restrictions for certain roads.

Capital Reserves for Drainage Infrastructure

The Cabinet Member approved the release of £1.7 million to the capital drainage Cat 467 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 priority of a Greener Oxfordshire by investing in sustainable ways to move around and protecting the natural environment. The allocated funds will be incorporated into the 2026/27 and 2027/28 Annual Plans for drainage works, which include 49 proposed improvement schemes.

A40 HIF2 Dukes Cut Wolvercote Bridge Maintenance Works - Decision to Progress to Construction

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). This decision allows for the progression to construction, with Stage 1 of the contract focusing on early contractor involvement and enabling works, including the collaborative development of the design, methodology, and programme for Stage 2, the main construction phase. These works are crucial for the HIF2 – Eynsham to Wolvercote scheme and are essential for strengthening capacity at the Wolvercote Railway Bridge, supporting housing growth and economic development in West Oxfordshire.

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

A decision on introducing seasonal and year-round restrictions for motor vehicles on Green Road and the bisecting byway in Letcombe Regis was deferred. The proposals aimed to prohibit motor vehicles with four or more wheels and wider than 1.6 metres on Green Road seasonally between 1 October and 30 April, and year-round on the bisecting byway. The intention was to maintain safety for the majority of stakeholders and protect the routes from damage, particularly during wetter periods. However, objections were raised by various groups, including the Green Lane Association, the British Horse Society, and the Shifford Carriage Driving Group for the Disabled. Concerns centred on the proportionality of the restrictions, the potential impact on disabled users and carriage drivers, the adequacy of evidence presented, and the cumulative effect of restrictions on the wider byway network. The deferral allows for further consideration of these objections and potential amendments to the proposals.