Oxfordshire County Council is progressing plans for a temporary congestion charge in the English city of Oxford, aimed at reducing traffic and improving bus journey times during the prolonged closure of Botley Road.
The proposal would see a £5 daily charge for cars without permits to pass through six key road locations across the city from autumn 2025.
Designed to mirror the intended traffic filters, which have been delayed until at least late 2026, the temporary charge would apply only to cars, with exemptions for vans, HGVs and motorbikes.
Permits would be available for local residents, health and care workers, Blue Badge holders and others, with new allowances for residents and commuters within a “central permit area” that would otherwise be inaccessible without incurring the charge.
According to Oxfordshire County Council, the scheme aims to cut congestion, improve bus service reliability and support active travel.
A public consultation was launched today [23 June] and will run for six weeks, with the scheme potentially in place for up to two years.
Traffic modelling forecasts an average 15-20% reduction in car trips into the city centre under the scheme, though displacement of traffic to outer areas and the ring road is expected.
Net revenue, estimated between £3.5m and £4m annually after costs, would be reinvested into public transport improvements including cheaper bus tickets and park and ride fares.
However, the proposal has triggered concerns from Oxford City Council. In a statement, council leader Susan Brown criticised the scheme for lacking prior engagement and argued it “allows people who can afford to do so to buy access to our streets”, risking inequality.
She further called for guarantees that any revenue be spent directly on Oxford’s public transport, and for stronger action to tackle congestion from private school traffic.
Brown added: “Comparisons to London are unrealistic considering the range of public transport options available there. We’re not anywhere near that yet in Oxford.”
Oxfordshire County Council has defended the move, saying urgent intervention is needed to keep buses moving during the closure of Botley Road, which has seen bus journey times increase by up to 17% on key corridors such as Abingdon Road.
The proposed scheme would be enforced by automatic number plate recognition cameras, with a penalty of £70 (halved if paid promptly) for non-payment.
Operating hours would generally be 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, except on Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way, which would only be charged during peak hours Monday to Saturday.
A dedicated online survey will gather public views, while paper surveys and library-based materials will ensure broad accessibility.
A final decision is expected after cabinet reviews consultation findings in September.
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!
