Oxford Introduces Complimentary Park-and-Ride Time and Additional Permits for Proposed Temporary Congestion Charge Scheme
Oxfordshire County Council Announces Revised Temporary Congestion Charge Proposals
Oxfordshire County Council has published changes to its proposed temporary congestion charge for Oxford, following a six-week public consultation that received responses from 7,165 people.
According to the council, 66% of respondents said there should not be a charge, while 73.9% believed the proposals would negatively affect them. However, concerns centered on effectiveness, business impact, and fairness were also voiced. Yet, respondents also voiced support for the scheme's potential to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance public transport.
The revised proposals suggest a temporary charge of £5 per day, granting unlimited same-day access through six charging points enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). The charge would apply only to cars, with other vehicles like vans, buses, and HGVs exempt.
Officers are recommending free park-and-ride journeys for an initial two-month period, covering the busy Christmas season, with a review thereafter. Any surplus income from the temporary charge would be reinvested in transport, including cheaper bus and park-and-ride tickets.
The council is also considering extra permit categories, including for ice hockey clubs, business cars, and specific circumstances.
The Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee will debate the proposals and make recommendations before the cabinet decides in September. If approved, the scheme could start in autumn 2025.
The county's innovative congestion reduction initiatives and road user charging schemes will be recognized and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025. The awards will take place at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Oxfordshire County Council's efforts in this regard have been acknowledged, as the council's work in reducing city-centre traffic has been noted through modelling, particularly during the Botley Road closure.
Cllr Andrew Gant expressed his gratitude to the thousands of people who provided detailed feedback during the consultation process. He emphasized the council's efforts to balance short-term congestion relief with affordability and access.
For more information about the CiTTi Awards and the UK's transportation sector, visit www.cittiawards.co.uk.
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