Drivers are being urged to make their feelings clear following the launch of a new consultation which could introduce a new congestion charge, as motorists could be hit with a £5 daily charge.
Oxfordshire County Council has today launched a consultation to look at introducing a temporary congestion charge in the city to reduce traffic and the number of vehicles on the road.
As part of the plans, a daily charge of £5 would allow cars without a permit to move through six locations on roads in Oxford, with this set to begin in autumn 2025.
All other vehicles with a permit would be able to access the charging locations without having to pay. Traffic signs would be installed to mark the charging locations.
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Oxfordshire County Council launched a consultation today regarding the future of its congestion charge
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If approved, the scheme will be enforced using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras positioned along the key charging roads.
This would include Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clements Street, Thames Street, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way.
The charges will apply between 7am and 7pm from Monday to Sunday. However, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way will not operate on Sundays, and will only charge between 7am and 9am, and 3pm and 6pm.
Certain groups will be allowed to obtain permits to avoid the charge, including community health and care workers, carers, Blue Badge holders, and mobile traders.
London and Durham are the only two cities in the UK to operate a congestion charge scheme
PAResidents inside the Oxford permit area would be eligible for 100 day passes, while people living in the Oxfordshire area would be given 25 day passes.
With a permit, drivers will be able to travel through all six charging locations as many times as they want on a particular day.
Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said he was looking forward to hearing from residents about the future of the scheme.
He said: "I’m pleased that we're continuing to consult on this scheme that could have a significant positive impact on people's travel in and around the city.
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"We must do all we can to improve bus services and reduce overall traffic, to help people get around."
Following the conclusion of the consultation, a report will be presented to the council's cabinet for consideration of the scheme.
A final decision will be made by the cabinet at a meeting in September, with the aim for the congestion charge to be introduced later in the autumn.
The proposals have been put forward to deal with long delays to buses as a result of Network Rail work to expand the railway station, which has been ongoing since April 2023.
Oxford also operates a Zero Emission Zone in the centre of the city
PAOxford would become only the third city to introduce a congestion charge, following in the footsteps of London and Durham, which have operated them for more than 20 years.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said residents needed guarantees from the council that the measures will only last two years, citing other schemes which are kept long-term because of the money they generate.
He added: "Ultimately, the aim of the council is to reduce car traffic while creating a better alternative via buses and bikes. Expanded park and ride or park and pedal facilities would contribute in a big way towards that ambition."
Drivers have until August 3, 2025, to register their views on the future of Oxford's congestion charge.
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