Experimental Motor Vehicle prohibition - Forest Hill: A40 Eastbound Layby
An 'Experimental' Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) has been made - which comes into force on 12 December 2025 - that will prohibit at all times access by motor vehicles to the A40 eastbound (London-bound) carriageway layby, situated approx.330 metres west of the junction with Church Hill at Forest Hill. Exemptions will however permit access for both utilities & highways purposes.
An alternative facility is available at the M40 Motorway services at Junction 8a Oxford/ Wheatley a short distance away which has appropriate and modern rest facilities.
Why is the experiment being implemented?
The experiment is being introduced as a result of inappropriate parking and anti-social behaviour, creating both environmental health and safety concerns for legitimate users, as well as those using the important cycle link that passes through.
What is an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order?
Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETRO) are used when it is difficult to assess the impacts of the scheme beforehand, but the cost of implementation is relatively low. In an ETRO, the Council introduces the scheme as an experiment first and there is then a six-month period after the scheme is introduced when the public can see for themselves the impact of the scheme and the Council can monitor its impacts. At the end of the six-month period, the Council assesses the impacts, including any letters of support or objections, and decides whether to confirm, cancel or extend the ETRO for up to 12 months longer (18 months in total) to allow further consultation and monitoring.
The experiment will be closely monitored during its operation and any comments/complaints that are received will be given due consideration with a view to deciding whether the experiment, or any part of it should become permanent.
Have your say.
Please read the detailed information provided on this consultation and take the time to complete the survey as your views and opinions matter. Your response should be completed and returned by 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026 (i.e. end of six month consultation period)
Whilst we will endeavor to answer simple queries during the course of the consultation, any more complex questions/issues will be appraised and dealt with as part of consultation process.
What happens next?
The county council will review the responses and if necessary (i.e. if objections are received) prepare a report to be presented to the Cabinet Member for Transport Management at a future meeting. This will be public meeting at which members of the public may apply to speak. The agenda and reports for meetings will be made available on the Oxfordshire County Council web site about a week before the meeting (please note that occasionally it is necessary to defer reports to a later meeting, and it is therefore advisable to check the agenda ahead of attending a meeting). The Forward Plan of decisions meetings can be viewed here.
