Motorists reroute journeys to avoid paying congestion charge as thousands face daily £70 penalty

The £5-per-day congestion charge was introduced on October 29, 2025, and became enforceable on December 4, with the new rules applying to cars without a permit using six key roads in Oxford.

The scheme was launched to help reduce traffic in the city centre while Botley Road remains closed and ahead of the council’s delayed traffic filter trial, which is now expected to begin in August.

The latest monitoring data for November and December 2025 showed that traffic levels have fallen on some city centre routes covered by the charge.

At the same time, traffic has also increased along the outer roads due to drivers diverting their journeys to avoid paying the daily fee.

Bus journey times have improved on several key routes, with buses travelling between St Clement's and Cowley Road seeing much faster times in December compared to the month before.

Park and ride services have also seen increased use, which was aided by the council’s decision to offer free bus travel into the city.

Councillor Andrew Gant said the early data showed some positive signs but warned against concluding the impact of the scheme too soon.

He said: "While the data shows promising improvements to some key journey times and park and ride uptake, it's far too early for us to draw firm conclusions."

He explained that the council would "continue to watch the impacts carefully as residents, visitors, and businesses adjust to the temporary congestion charge".

Under the scheme, drivers without a permit are required to pay £5 per day to pass through the six congestion charge locations.

Drivers can pay online or by phone, and payment must be made by midnight on the day after driving through a charge point.

Permits are available for a range of drivers, including residents, traders, carers and Blue Badge holders.

The congestion charge operates on Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way from Monday to Saturday during peak hours between 7am and 9am, and between 3pm and 6pm.

On Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement's Street and Thames Street, the charge applies from Monday to Sunday between 7am and 7pm.

The council said monthly monitoring will continue, with further data helping to build a clearer picture of the scheme's long-term impact on drivers, traffic and public transport.

Before fines became official on December 4, for the first six weeks, drivers who entered the zones without paying or holding a permit were issued warning letters rather than penalties.

During the grace period, Oxfordshire County Council sent out 4,695 warning letters.

Drivers now face a £70 penalty charge, which can be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. Failure to pay can see the cost soar to £105.