Better journey times on key bus routes with Oxford temporary congestion charge
December’s monitoring data for Oxford’s temporary congestion charge, published today by Oxfordshire County Council, shows signs of continuing improvement to city centre traffic and key journey times, with some outer roads showing increased traffic.
The county council’s temporary congestion charge is at points on six roads in Oxford and was introduced on 29 October. It is designed to reduce traffic in the city while Botley Road remains closed, and the start of the council’s traffic filter trial is delayed.
The published data includes car and bus journey times, and park and ride usage. Data is presented alongside figures for the same month in the previous year for comparison and is published each month. This is the second month of data published for the temporary scheme.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, 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.
“There are, however, some clear shifts in the right direction, data for December, for example, shows a significant year on year improvement in bus journey times along St Clements and Cowley Road. It’s also very encouraging to see how many people have taken up our offer of free park and ride bus travel into the city.
“We will continue to watch the impacts carefully as residents, visitors and businesses adjust to the temporary congestion charge.”
Monitoring data is now published for November and December 2025, with some data sets not yet available. Travel patterns and external factors will continue to change. The data that is being collected will build a picture over time of how the scheme is working and highlight any issues the council may need to address.
About the temporary congestion charge
A charge of £5 per day is payable to drive a car without a permit through the six congestion charge locations. Cars with permits and all other vehicles can go through the temporary congestion charge locations for free.
There are permit types available that allow free travel through the congestion charge points. Permit applications covering different circumstances can be made from the county council website, including for residents, traders, carers and blue badge holders. To find out about different permits and exemptions, visit the congestion charge website.
Those driving in a car without a permit can pay the congestion charge online by midnight on the day after driving through one of the six charge locations – no account is needed. There is also an option to pay by phone.
Locations and operating times:
· Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way - Monday to Saturday - At peak times between 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm
· Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement’s Street and Thames Street - Monday to Sunday - 7am to 7pm
The scheme will remain in place until the traffic filters trial is introduced, once Botley Road reopens, expected to be August 2026.
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