Drivers have been warned of new daily fees being introduced after Oxford approved plans to introduce a new congestion charge.
Oxford County Council has revealed that drivers will pay a £5 daily fee to travel through certain streets in the city centre.
The decision was announced today after being approved by all 10 cabinet members, with the new fees expected to begin no later than November 10.
The scheme will apply to six key roads in Oxford, including Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street, St Clement's Street, Marston Ferry Road, and Hollow Way.
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The new charges will come into effect in November this year, slapping drivers with £5 daily costs
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Under the new measures, the congestion charge will run between 7am and 7pm daily on the first four streets, while Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way will charge drivers between Monday and Saturday during morning and evening rush hours.
Motorists without permits will soon have to pay the £5 fee for unlimited travel through any of the points.
However, the council noted that there will be a range of exemptions for Blue Badge holders, emergency vehicles, business use cars, and residents with permits.
Oxford residents can also apply for up to 100 permits annually, while other Oxfordshire residents will be entitled to 25 permits.
The introduction of the congestion charge will see drivers slapped with £5 daily fees
| PACouncil leader Liz Leffman said in the meeting that the charge is intended to encourage sustainable travel and improve life in the city.
She said: "We hope Oxford will become a place where walking, cycling, and sustainable travel are easier. This scheme is designed to reduce congestion, improve lives, and benefit future generations."
The decision follows growing pressure from bus companies, which have long complained about long journey times in the city due to the large number of vehicles on the road.
The Oxford Bus Company's managing director, Luke Marion, told the Oxford Mail: "The congestion charge proposals are good news for passengers, many of whom come from deprived areas of the community. Resources saved will go toward improving the bus network."
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The council estimates that the scheme will generate £3.2million through daily charges and penalties over 10 months.
Councillors also argued that the scheme would reduce city centre traffic by 20 per cent as well and cut congestion on Hollow Way and Marston Ferry Road by approximately 50 per cent, while bus journey productivity will improve by 10 per cent.
Despite receiving approval, the scheme has remained highly controversial, as evidenced by a recent council consultation.
It received an overwhelmingly negative response, with 74 per cent of respondents expressing that the scheme would have a negative effect in the area.
The council leader explained that the measures were hoped to encourage walking and cycling
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The Oxford Independent Alliance's chair, Anne Gwinnett, warned that the public reaction to the scheme was "nothing short of a landslide rejection, not a vocal minority".
She added: "These aren't just numbers. These are the voices of families, workers, and businesses screaming that this policy is unfair, burdensome, and utterly misguided."
Opposition to the charges prompted a petition, which has received more than 13,500 signatures, calling for the scheme to be axed.
The new congestion charge will operate until Botley Road reopens in August 2026, at which point the council explained that it will be replaced by a traffic filter trial.
The trial will issue fines of £70 to drivers who breach the rules, although the council did note that the penalty can be reduced to £35 if paid early.