Oxfordshire County Council has published changes to its proposed temporary congestion charge for Oxford ahead of key scrutiny and cabinet meetings, including an initial period of free park-and-ride journeys and additional free permit types.
The update follows a six-week public consultation and will be considered by the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 27 August, before a cabinet decision on 10 September. If approved, the scheme could start in autumn 2025.
The scheme is intended to cut traffic and improve bus reliability while Botley Road remains closed – delaying the start of the previously approved traffic filters trial – and to make it easier for permit holders such as carers, traders and Blue Badge holders to travel by car.
The temporary charge would apply only to cars; other vehicles, including vans, buses and HGVs, would be exempt. Locations and hours mirror the planned traffic filters, with a daily charge (previously consulted on at £5) granting unlimited same-day access through six charging points enforced by ANPR.
According to the council, 7,165 people responded to the consultation, which ran from 23 June to 3 August. Of those, 66% said there should not be a charge, 7.7% felt the charge level was too high and 73.9% believed the proposals would negatively affect them.
FREE: Subscribe to the monthly Road User Charging Newsletter!
Concerns centred on effectiveness, business impact and fairness – though respondents also voiced support for the scheme’s potential to reduce congestion, improve air quality and enhance public transport.
In response, officers are recommending refinements, notably free park-and-ride journeys for an initial two-month period, covering the busy Christmas season, with a review thereafter.
The council is also considering extra permit categories in defined circumstances, including for ice hockey clubs and business cars, alongside the previously proposed permits – for example, residents’ day passes, Blue Badge holders, and community health and care workers.
Cllr Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management, thanked “the thousands of people” who provided detailed feedback and said the committee will debate the proposals and make recommendations before cabinet decides in September.
Earlier council materials indicate any surplus income from the temporary charge would be reinvested in transport, including cheaper bus and park-and-ride tickets, while modelling suggests notable reductions in city-centre traffic compared with a no-scheme scenario during the Botley Road closure.
CiTTi Magazine previously reported on the original proposal and associated debate over equity and business impacts.
The latest changes signal the county’s attempt to balance short-term congestion relief with affordability and access while the long-planned traffic filters remain on hold.
Innovative congestion reduction initiatives and road user charging schemes will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
