Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, was scheduled to discuss a number of transport-related issues at a meeting. These included proposed amendments to the Oxford Zero Emission Zone pilot, traffic management restrictions in Wantage, and several proposed changes to speed limits and crossings in various locations. The report pack for the meeting included responses to consultations, financial implications, and legal and equality considerations for each item.

Oxford Zero Emission Zone Pilot Scheme Amendments

Councillor Andrew Gant was scheduled to consider a report recommending several amendments to the Oxford zero-emission zone (ZEZ) pilot, which has been in operation in Oxford city centre since February 2022. The report states that the purpose of the ZEZ pilot is to:

test the ZEZ on a small scale to inform future decisions about a possible larger ZEZ in Oxford. If a larger ZEZ is agreed and implemented, it will replace the ZEZ pilot.

The report pack included the results of public consultations undertaken in 2023 and 2024 regarding proposed changes to the ZEZ pilot.

The 2023 consultation proposed removing the end dates for the 100% discount for Blue Badge holders¹ and disabled tax class vehicles, the 90% discount for ZEZ business vehicles, and the 90% discount for ZEZ residents' vehicles. It also proposed keeping the ZEZ pilot charges at their current level, instead of doubling them in August 2025. The report notes that the majority of respondents supported these changes, although some appeared to have misread the proposal to mean that the discounts themselves would be removed, while others objected to 'watering down' the ambition of the ZEZ.

The 2024 consultation focused on removing the end date of the 50% discount for low emission petrol-electric hybrid non-Oxford Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles (PHVs). While about half of the respondents agreed with the proposal, others considered that it would reduce the incentive to invest in zero emission vehicles.

The report recommended that Councillor Andrew Gant instruct officers to amend the ZEZ pilot charging order to implement all of the proposed changes.

Wantage Traffic Management

Councillor Andrew Gant was scheduled to consider a report about making permanent existing traffic restrictions in Wantage Market Place. The restrictions were initially introduced via an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order on 3 January 2022, continuing measures implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report recommended making permanent the prohibition of driving and waiting in the western section of Market Place, the southern section of Alfred Street, and the northern section of Church Street. It also recommended making permanent the removal of some time-limited parking spaces and motorcycle parking, and the relocation of disabled parking spaces. The report recommended retaining the existing taxi rank and continuing the use of temporary planters and barriers, pending further design work for a permanent scheme.

The report pack included a summary of the responses to a formal consultation on the proposals, which showed that while overall opinion was evenly split, there was clear support for the project in general, except for the removal of on-street parking. The report also included officer responses to the objections and concerns raised, including the impact on access for less mobile people and businesses.

Grove Road Cycleway/Footway

Councillor Andrew Gant was scheduled to consider a report recommending the introduction of a shared-use foot and cycle path on the east side of the A338 Grove Road in Wantage. The proposals have been put forward in connection with a planned new retail development.

The report pack included a summary of the responses to a formal consultation on the proposals, which showed that the majority of respondents supported the scheme. The report also included officer responses to the objections and concerns raised, including the safety of the shared-use path and the design of the junction.

Minster Lovell Speed Limit

Councillor Andrew Gant was scheduled to consider a report recommending the introduction of 30mph speed limits in Minster Lovell, replacing the existing 40mph speed limits on the B4047 Burford Road and School Lane.

The report pack included a summary of the responses to a formal consultation on the proposals, which showed that the majority of respondents supported the scheme. However, Thames Valley Police objected to the B4047 Burford Road proposals, citing that unless extensive engineering is included, compliance wouldn't be achieved. The report also included officer responses to the objections and concerns raised, including the need for the lower speed limits and the impact on traffic flow.

Kennington Speed Limit

Councillor Andrew Gant was scheduled to consider a report recommending the introduction of a 40mph speed limit on the A4183/Oxford Road in Kennington, replacing the existing 50mph speed limit.

The report pack included a summary of the responses to a formal consultation on the proposals, which showed that responses were split for and against. The report also included officer responses to the objections and concerns raised, including the impact on traffic flow and the need for the lower speed limit.

Oxford Airport Crossing

Councillor Andrew Gant was scheduled to consider a report recommending several changes near Oxford Airport, including the introduction of 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions on the western side of The Boulevard and the northern side of Langford Lane. The report also recommended introducing 'Time Limited 1hr No return within 2 hours' parking on the western side of The Boulevard, constructing a 'Parallel signal-controlled' crossing on Langford Lane, and introducing a 'Shared-Use foot & cycleway' on the north side of Langford Lane & the western side of The Boulevard.

The report pack included a summary of the responses to a formal consultation on the proposals, which showed that the majority of respondents supported the scheme.

Hempton Traffic Calming

Councillor Andrew Gant was scheduled to consider a report recommending the construction of two kerbed build-outs on the B4031 Hempton Road in Hempton.

The report pack included a summary of the responses to a formal consultation on the proposals, which showed that responses were split for and against. The report also included officer responses to the objections and concerns raised, including the impact on traffic flow and the size of farm vehicles.

Chinnor Waiting Restrictions

Councillor Andrew Gant was scheduled to consider a report recommending the introduction of 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions on sections of Thame Road and Mill Lane in Chinnor, and a 'No Waiting on Verge & Footway' restriction on Thame Road.

The report pack included a summary of the responses to a formal consultation on the proposals, which showed that the majority of respondents supported the scheme. The report also included officer responses to the objections and concerns raised, including the impact on local businesses and the need for a bigger car park in the village.

Chilton Road Safety Scheme

Councillor Andrew Gant was scheduled to consider a report recommending the introduction of a 30mph speed limit on Lower Road in Chilton.

The report pack included a summary of the responses to a formal consultation on the proposals, which showed that the majority of respondents supported the scheme.

Ambrosden Parallel Crossing

Councillor Andrew Gant was scheduled to consider a report recommending the introduction of a Parallel Crossing on Blackthorn Road in Ambrosden.

The report pack included a summary of the responses to a formal consultation on the proposals, which showed that the majority of respondents supported the scheme.