Promising start for Oxford temporary congestion charge
Early monitoring data for Oxford’s temporary congestion charge, published today by Oxfordshire County Council, shows signs of improving 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 city footfall, traffic and journey times. Data is presented alongside figures for the same month in the previous year for comparison and will be published each month.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “The data we’ve published shows a promising start to the temporary congestion charge. One month isn’t long enough to draw firm conclusions, but we are able to see some signs of improvements on key bus routes such as the Abingdon Road. We can see that footfall in the city centre remains high, with an increase of 22 per cent year on year, albeit footfall trends were on the up prior to the congestion charge.
“What’s more powerful than the data, to me, is the stories people have told us about how their lives and their journeys in the city have been transformed in a positive way. With Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company providing service improvements, and the county council’s offer of free park and ride bus travel as a result of this scheme, people have more choice and convenience when it comes to bus travel. Cycling and walking journeys are much more enjoyable where there is less traffic.
“We will continue to watch the impacts carefully as residents, visitors and businesses adjust to the temporary congestion charge.”
The monitoring data published is for a single month only. 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.
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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.