A new transport chief has been appointed following the resignation of the controversial boss who brought in Oxford’s congestion charge and introduced new 20mph speed limit zones across Oxfordshire.

Cllr Rebekah Fletcher has been made the cabinet member for transport management at Oxfordshire County Council after Cllr Andrew Gant announced he was standing down at midday today (Monday), May 11.

Ms Fletcher is the Liberal Democrat member for Harwell, Western Valley and Blewbury.

She was elected in 2025 and has lived in Oxfordshire since 2021.

Cllr Rebekah Fletcher has been appointed the new transport chief for Oxfordshire County Council.

placeholder image — Cllr Rebekah Fletcher has been appointed the new transport chief for Oxfordshire County Council.

Ms Fletcher works for a medical school in London, so her particular interests lie in improving community health, wellbeing and social care provision.

The appointment has been listed on her “councillor details” page on the Oxfordshire County Council website.

Her Oxfordshire’s responsibilities include public transport, highways management, street lighting, and parking.

Potholes, the continuation of the congestion charge, set to become traffic filters after the reopening of the Botley Road this summer, zero-emission zones, potential new park and rides, and the expansion of 20 mph limits are all in her remit.

This follows Mr Gant standing down from the post after four years.

He said: “After four years in post, I have decided not to seek re-election to the cabinet of Oxfordshire County Council.

“I am hugely proud of all we have achieved, and now is the right time to think about demands and priorities.

“I look forward to supporting the clear principles of this visionary Liberal Democrat administration in any way I can.”

The resignation comes ahead of the local authority’s annual full council meeting tomorrow, May 12.

Leader of the council, Liz Leffman, stated: “I would like to thank Andrew for his years of service to our communities as cabinet member for transport management.

“Under his guidance, Oxfordshire has become a flagship for safer, cleaner transport and active travel, with the introduction of 20mph speed limits, safer cycling and walking in our towns and villages, and the introduction of electric buses and the temporary congestion charge in Oxford.

“He will of course continue to be a member the Lib Dem group on the County Council, and I look forward to working with him in that capacity.”