Oxfordshire County Council has approved a temporary congestion charge for cars at six locations across Oxford, with the scheme due to start later this autumn.
The cabinet decision was taken on Wednesday 10 September, and the council says it aims to have the system operational by 10 November 2025.
Framed as a short-term response while Botley Road remains closed and the traffic filters trial is delayed, the charge is intended to cut traffic, improve bus reliability and make it easier for eligible permit holders – including community health and care workers, carers, mobile traders and Blue Badge holders – to travel by car into and around the city.
A six-week consultation drew 7,165 responses, which informed the final proposal agreed by cabinet.
Under the approved plan, a £5 daily charge will allow cars without a permit to pass through any of the six charging points as many times as needed on the same day, enforced by ANPR. Other vehicle types – such as vans, HGVs, buses, mopeds and motorbikes – are exempt.
Locations and operating hours mirror those planned for the traffic filters: St Cross Road, Thames Street, Hythe Bridge Street and St Clement’s Street (7am-7pm, seven days); Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way (7am-9am and 3pm-6pm, Monday–Saturday).
FREE: Subscribe to the monthly Road User Charging Newsletter!
Following the consultation, two additional permit types have been added: free travel for regular users of Oxford Ice Rink, and free travel for pool cars owned and operated by businesses or organisations in the Oxford permit area.
Details of the permit application system will be published on the council’s website ahead of launch.
Cllr Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management, Oxfordshire County Council, said the city needs “a more sustainable, reliable and inclusive transport system”, adding that reducing car volumes is essential to delivering quicker journeys, more reliable buses and safer active travel.
The cabinet also asked officers to review how income from the charge is used “to have the greatest possible impact”, which could mean options instead of, or as well as, free Park & Ride fares originally floated during the consultation update.
Installation of cameras, signage and back-office systems is scheduled ahead of the autumn start date.
The county council said it will continue to monitor and report on performance during the temporary period, after which the separate traffic filters trial is expected to commence once Botley Road reopens.
Discover the key trends and challenges shaping the future of user-funded transportation –spanning tolling, road pricing and usage-charges – at Akabo Media’s global Road User Charging Conference series. Join senior decision-makers from around the world as they tackle the issues defining the industry in Miami (September 2025), Singapore (October 2025), Brussels (March 2026), and Abu Dhabi (May 2026). Gain invaluable insights, share innovative ideas and network with global leaders driving the transformation of transportation systems. Click here to learn more and secure your place at these unmissable events!
