New data reveals performance of Oxford businesses since the introduction of the Oxford temporary congestion charge

• 79 per cent of businesses who gave a view on their performance compared to a year ago said they are doing the same or better
• 70 per cent of businesses surveyed say the congestion charge has had no effect, or a positive effect on their business, 30 per cent report a negative effect
• Suburban businesses, particularly those with a shopfront, were significantly less positive than city centre businesses
• Spend data shows year-on-year declines in consumer spending across the city, in line with national trends
• Spending in Oxford city centre has declined by about the same amount as comparable city centres, while spending in Oxford’s suburban centres has declined more than in comparable suburban centres 

A survey of businesses across Oxford, together with newly published consumer spend data from Experian, reveals how business conditions and performance have changed since the temporary congestion charge was introduced. 

The temporary congestion charge has been in place on six roads in Oxford since 29 October to help reduce traffic while Botley Road remains closed and the traffic filter trial is delayed.  

The survey, carried out by Indiefield on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council, shows nearly half of businesses (48%) reported no noticeable effect from the congestion charge, with 30 per cent reporting negative impacts and 22 per cent positive. Meanwhile, spend in Oxford city centre since the congestion charge was introduced has declined the same amount as the average in comparable centres outside Oxfordshire. 

Councillor Gareth Epps, Cabinet Member for Transport at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This new data gives us an evidence-based picture of how businesses are faring in the city. There are many challenges affecting businesses at this time, and data can help us understand what is having an impact. While it’s great that nearly 80 per cent of businesses who gave a view on their performance compared to a year ago said they are doing the same or better it is clear that many are feeling significant pressures due to a number of local and national factors.

“There is still more to do to improve travel in and around Oxford and help keep the city moving. The traffic filters trial, from autumn, is one way we’ll further reduce traffic.” 

The survey also highlighted wider pressures facing businesses, with rising costs (69%) and economic uncertainty (61%) cited as the most common challenges. At the same time, Oxford continues to be seen as a great place to do business, with 71 per cent of respondents highlighting location and accessibility as a key advantage and 72 per cent saying their business is performing well. 

The survey gathered views from 300 businesses across OX1 to OX4 postcode areas and provides a detailed snapshot of business sentiment, operational pressures and travel behaviour. 

• 39 per cent say deliveries or servicing have become more difficult
• More businesses report customer decreases (29%) than increases (21%)
• More than half of businesses (56%) say that staff have changed how they travel to work as a result of the scheme.
• Businesses in retail, hospitality and tourism are more likely to report negative effects.

Among these “shop-front” businesses:

• 47 per cent report a negative overall impact (compared with 24 per cent of other businesses)
• 58 per cent report a decrease in customer numbers (compared with 18 per cent of other businesses)

Spend in Oxford’s suburban food and beverage destinations has declined more than the average in comparator areas. All car parking in suburban areas is accessible without passing a congestion charge point. 

Businesses with mobile or transport-intensive operations reported sharper pressures on their trade in this period, particularly around costs and travel. 

Spend in most of Oxford’s suburban mixed retail destinations has declined more than the average in comparator cities. 

The survey report and spend data is published alongside other monitoring information for the congestion charge.

Notes 

The spend data is provided by the credit reporting company Experian and comes from a national sample of around four million debit and credit cards. The figures show year-on-year estimated change in credit and debit card spending for the months since the temporary congestion charge was implemented.

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