Oxford temporary congestion charge for cars approved

Oxfordshire County Council has announced that a temporary congestion charge for cars will begin in Oxford later this autumn.

The decision was made by the county council’s cabinet at a meeting today (Wednesday, 10 September).

The scheme aims to reduce traffic in the short term while Botley Road remains closed, preventing the start of the traffic filter trial. It is designed to improve bus services and make it easier for those with permits, including carers, traders and blue badge holders, to travel by car into and around Oxford.

A daily charge of £5 will allow cars without a permit to go through six charge locations on roads in Oxford. This will apply from late autumn when the scheme launches. The council aims to have the scheme in place by 10 November.

Permits will be available for certain groups, including community health and care workers, carers, blue badge holders, and mobile traders. 

Following the public consultation in the summer, two new permit types were added to the scheme, allowing free travel for regular users of Oxford Ice Rink and for pool cars owned and operated by businesses or organisations in the Oxford permit area.

The permit application system is available via the Oxfordshire County Council website.