Experimental One-way restriction - Thame: Nelson Street
An 'Experimental' Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) has been made - which comes into force on 21 March 2026 - that introduces a One-Way traffic restriction in Nelson Street, Thame. The restriction will allow traffic to travel northwards between its junctions with Southern Road/Elms Road and the entrance to the Fire & Rescue Service Station, with pedal cyclists being exempt (meaning they can travel in both directions).
This follows a local pre-engagement exercise (carried out in December/January 2025), after which the Cabinet Member for Transport Management approved the Officer recommendations to proceed with an Experimental TRO at the public decisions meeting held on 26th February 2026.
Why is the experiment being implemented?
The experiment is being introduced as a result of concerns being raised, and through initial informal engagement with the immediate community about the challenges being experienced with the current two-way traffic. It has been identified that, when two vehicles travelling in opposite directions meet, there is not enough space for them to pass each other. This results in one vehicle either mounting the footway, which in turn affects the safety of pedestrians, or reversing a significant distance, so that both vehicles can pass. As a result, a one-way traffic restriction will be implemented on Nelson Street northbound from Southern Road to the fire station on an experimental basis. The proposal seeks to help reduce incidents of driver conflict, improve road safety, and enhance the street environment.
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, including the effects on all road users, specifically regarding potential issues of non-compliance – and should the ETRO be recommended to become permanent in the future, the need for any further supporting measures to ensure compliance will also be considered.
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 25 September 2026 (i.e. end of the initial 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 - 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.
