Oxford: Lower Wolvercote - proposed Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ)

We're asking for your views on the proposal to formally install a new Minimum Impact (low signage) CPZ in the Lower Wolvercote area of Oxford. This follows on from the ‘informal’ consultation carried out in 2021, and the subsequent formal consultation carried out in 2022 (see here for details) & the approved decision in January 2023 to defer the proposal so that officers could further explore the impact that this CPZ would have on parking in the area.

It is now proposed that the scheme would be introduced as a ‘Permit Parking Area’ (PPA) which uses entry and repeater signs to inform motorists of the restrictions in place (e.g. no bay markings), with operational hours for the zone for ‘Residents Permit Parking’ only being between 8am & 8pm on Monday to Sundays within the majority of the area (previously it had been proposed to be ‘Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm’).

Parking for non-residents would be limited to specified parking bays for 3 hours (8am to 8pm on Monday to Sunday) on Godstow Road, Rosamund Road, Rowland Close, Meadow Prospect, and Home Close - allowing permit holders also to park without restriction. A single 52 metre bay on Godstow Road (opposite the nature reserve) would allow for general 3 hour parking only, with no concessions for permit holders, ensuring visitors to the area have appropriate parking availability.

‘Prohibition of waiting at any time’ (Double Yellow Lines) parking restrictions will see some additions to prevent obstruction to traffic, junction safety and view for pedestrians and cyclists on Clifford Place, Elmthorpe Road, Godstow Road, Meadow Prospect, Rowland Close, and Webbs Close - with any other existing DYLs remaining in place as currently marked.

Permit notes:

Residents of: Clifford Place, Elmthorpe Road, Godstow Road (Even Nos.46-166 & Odd Nos.43-191), Home Close, Meadow Prospect, Rosamund Road, Rowland Close, and Webbs Close will be eligible to apply for residents annual parking permits. The general operating principles that would apply for the permit scheme are outlined below:

• Resident’s permits are limited to 1 per resident with a maximum of 2 per property,
  
• Only eligible residents may apply and proof of residency and vehicle ownership will be required on application,
• The fee for a resident’s permit is currently set at £80 per annum, per vehicle,
• Visitors are catered for by scratch-cards which last for 24 hours when used. 25 per annum are issued free and residents can purchase an additional 25 after a 6 month period for £31.50 (no charge for residents over 70) - maximum 50 per annum,
• Blue badge holders can park in permit parking areas/bays without the need to display a permit,
• A permit allows the holder to park in an area/bay designated for use with that permit. It does not allow the user to contravene other restrictions such as double yellow lines. It also does not guarantee a space directly outside a property and any marked spaces are not allocated or reserved to induvial permit holders, and
• Permits are available for contractors carrying out works on properties and for registered carers and healthcare workers.

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 20 December 2024.

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 Highway Management at a meeting scheduled for 23 January 2025. 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.