Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 10, 2024

Purpose:

Content: The amendment proposed by Councillor Reeves and seconded by Councillor Bartholomew was accepted by the proposer and seconder of the original motion and by Council.   The amendment proposed by Councillor Haywood and seconded by Councillor Bennett was lost with 19 votes in favour, 28 against and 1 abstention.   The motion as amended was carried with 29 votes in favour, 20 against and no abstentions.   This Council considered setting up a Congestion Commission and agreed to set up a Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Transport in Central Oxfordshire as part of its last budget. This Council considers that it is time to establish for such a Citizens’ Assembly of local residents or a Congestion Commission, focused on reducing congestion, to be established. It should happen this financial year. including businesspeople, public sector leaders, civil society and faith group leaders, and academics with relevant expertise, to ensure a greater democratic say in key decision-making.   This Council notes that its ambitious suite of traffic management measures is due to be rolled out in the very near future. These include Oxford’s traffic filters and workplace parking levy, which are now largely enshrined in the Council’s budget and will take place unless there is a change of administration next year.   If all such measures go ahead, Oxfordshire motorists could be hit by £57million in fines in fines and charges, broken down as follows:   Expanded Zero Emissions Zone £25m; Traffic Filters £11m; Workplace Parking Tax £21m.   For clarity, the purpose of a Congestion Citizens’ Assembly or Congestion Commission would be to assess the likely effectiveness of such measures, provide recommendations on existing proposals and advise as to whether other measures might be given effect after next year’s local elections as supplements or substitutes for such policies, putting residents’, businesses’ and civil society groups’ voices at the heart of local the decision-making process.   Council requests Cabinet to establish a Congestion Commission or Citizens’ Assembly of Central Oxfordshire citizens, with an advisory group to comprise ensuring in so doing that the voices of elected members, local businesspeople, public sector leaders from the Council’s health, education and blue light partners, and civil society and faith groups leaders are properly heard, and academics with relevant expertise in the field.