The Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Transport meeting on Thursday 8 October 2026 saw several traffic management and parking restrictions approved across Oxford and Burford. Key decisions included the introduction of new long-stay parking tariffs at Thornhill Park and Ride, a 12-metre length restriction for buses and coaches on Priory Lane in Burford, and various waiting and loading restrictions in Oxford.

Burford, Priory Lane - Proposed Bus and Coach Length Restrictions

A significant decision was made to implement a 12-metre length restriction for buses and coaches along the entire length of Priory Lane in Burford. This restriction, which includes an exemption for 'Permit Holders', aims to address safety concerns, particularly regarding pupils at Burford Primary School, and to prevent damage to road infrastructure. The existing 'School Keep Clear' markings will also be formalised with associated 'No Stopping' restrictions from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. This decision follows a previous deferral to allow for further discussions on alternative parking arrangements for displaced vehicles, but no suitable alternatives have yet been found. The council prioritised the safety of children and residents over the convenience of tour operators, acknowledging that while this may impact tourism, smaller coaches and minibuses will still be able to access the lane.

Oxford Parkway and Thornhill Park and Ride - Tariff Changes

New long-stay parking charges were approved for Thornhill Park and Ride, extending the current maximum stay period beyond 72 hours. This change introduces an 8-day tariff for £15 and a 15-day tariff for £30, catering to users of the 24/7 airport bus services. The decision to amend the Traffic Regulation Order to introduce 'Penalty Charge Notices' for enforcement was deferred pending the completion of the civil enforcement contract procurement process. The proposals were supported by many respondents, particularly those using the airport bus services, who felt it would make coach travel more practical and attractive. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on the availability of spaces for existing users, but officers were confident that Thornhill Park and Ride has sufficient spare capacity to absorb the additional demand without compromising its primary function.

Proposed Traffic Management Orders - Oxford

Several traffic management orders were approved for Oxford. These include the formalisation and extension of a 'Prohibition of Motor Vehicles (except for access)' restriction on a section of public Bridleway No.294/8/40 in Old Marston. This measure aims to prevent drivers from entering a narrow lane and subsequently having to reverse out, which can create hazards, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. Additionally, the existing 'Prohibition of Motor Vehicles' restriction point on Barracks Lane, adjacent to 'Vesi Woods', will be formalised. These changes are intended to improve public safety and enable effective enforcement.

Proposed Waiting and Loading Restrictions - Oxford

New waiting and loading restrictions were approved for several roads in Oxford. On Between Towns Road, 'No Loading' restrictions will be in place from 7:30 am to 9:30 am and 3 pm to 5:30 pm daily, and existing 'No Waiting Mon-Sat, 8am-6.30pm' restrictions will be replaced with 'No Waiting at Any Time' (double yellow lines). These changes are intended to address complaints about obstruction, safety, and access issues, and to ensure the free flow of traffic, particularly during peak hours. A new 'Shared-use' parking place, operating Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm with a 2-hour limit or for permit holders, will be introduced in a layby adjacent to No.84 Temple Road. This aims to resolve an anomaly in the existing parking zone and enable legal enforcement. In Stanley Road, 'No Waiting at Any Time' (double yellow lines) restrictions will replace part of an existing permit holders' bay adjacent to Nos.2-6/the Mosque. This is to ensure safe access to the Mosque for disabled worshippers and visitors, as parked vehicles have been obstructing this access.