Give your feedback on Oxford’s traffic filter trial
Residents, businesses and organisations in Oxfordshire are invited to give feedback on their experience of Oxfordshire County Council’s traffic filter trial in a survey that will be open from today (28 September) until 28 March 2027.
Councillor Gareth Epps, Cabinet Member for Transport at Oxfordshire County Council said: “The traffic filter trial is the next step in helping us tackle congestion that has blighted the city for decades. I’m keen to understand the impacts of the trial scheme and see the feedback from residents, organisations and businesses. Your views and experiences will help us shape our future plans for improving travel and transport in and around Oxford.”
The consultation seeks residents’, businesses’, visitors’ and organisations’ feedback on their experience of the traffic filter trial, whether they have changed how they travel, and if they’d like to see any changes to the scheme. The survey can be completed online and paper copies are available from County Hall and Oxfordshire libraries.
The traffic filters trial replaced Oxford’s temporary congestion charge on Monday 28 September. It operates in a similar way to the temporary congestion charge, with the filters at the same six locations and a permit scheme in place. The key difference is that car drivers are no longer able to pay the £5 congestion charge to go through the traffic filters.
About the traffic filter trial
- The traffic filter trial was approved by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet in November 2022, but implementation was delayed because of the closure of Botley Road, due to Network Rail’s improvements to Oxford Rail Station.
- At each traffic filter site, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras monitor and enforce the restrictions. There are no physical barriers. Cars without a valid permit driving through the filters will receive a fine of £70 (reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days).
- During the first six months of the traffic filter trial, the council will send a warning notice the first time any car goes through a traffic filter without using a permit, instead of sending a penalty charge notice.
- The scheme only applies to cars. All other vehicles are exempt. For those where car use is essential, there are 20 different types of permits e.g. for carers and community health and care workers, making travel around the city easier for these groups.
The locations and operating times of the traffic filters are the same as the temporary congestion charge:
- 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
For more information, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/trafficfilters
Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.