Start of temporary congestion charge boosts park and ride use

Observations from the first days of Oxford’s temporary congestion charge indicate that the scheme is improving bus services and boosting the take-up of park and ride. 

On Wednesday 29 October, Oxfordshire County Council launched its scheme to reduce congestion to make buses quicker and more reliable and walking and cycling safer and more attractive. 

To coincide with the launch of the temporary congestion charge, the council is offering free park and ride bus travel. Up to two adults and three children with a valid park and ride parking ticket are able to claim free travel from park and ride sites in the city. 

The tickets will be valid on any Stagecoach, Oxford Bus Company or Thames Travel bus that visits an Oxford park and ride site, not just branded park and ride services.  

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management said: “The temporary congestion charge is part of a range of measures to deliver our vision enshrined in our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan: better public transport, cleaner air, safer roads and better conditions for walking, cycling and wheeling. 

“We will be watching the impacts carefully as residents, visitors and businesses adjust to the temporary congestion charge.” 

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company said: "It's been an encouraging start to the council's new temporary congestion charge scheme, with some noticeable reductions in traffic congestion being seen from our real-time data. We've already seen more than 10,000 people taking up the new free park and ride offer on our services, and a 10 per cent increase in the overall use of park and ride in line with our initial expectations. 

“While we did have some challenges with roadworks affecting the Redbridge site on the first day of operation, these were swiftly resolved and we're looking forward to seeing our wide-ranging service enhancements coming into force from this coming Sunday, 9 November." 

Chris Hanson, Managing Director for Stagecoach West said: “The introduction of the Oxford temporary congestion charge has proven to be a success thus far, encouraging a noticeable shift towards more sustainable modes of transport. We are keen to see even more people making the switch to bus travel as a reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to move around the city, with our service improvements taking place this month.” 

The temporary congestion charge is in place at points on six roads in Oxford. Cars with permits and all other vehicles can pass through the charge locations for free. Without a permit, a charge of £5 per day will be payable to drive a car through the six congestion charge locations. 

Over 63,000 permits have been issued to date. Permit applications 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. You can also pay in advance for multiple days – this option requires you to open an account. There is also an option to pay by phone.  

Notes

• Each congestion charge location covers just one point on the road. Cars can use the road on either side of these locations at any time without a permit.
• There are directional signs providing drivers advance warning of the charging locations. Traffic signs show when and where the congestion charge applies to cars, and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras enforce the restrictions.
• Residents can get a limited number of day passes each year, and some groups are eligible for permits for unlimited travel.
• 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
• During the first six weeks of the temporary charge, the council will send a letter the first time any car goes through a congestion charge point without paying or using a permit, instead of sending a penalty charge notice.
• Monitoring data for the scheme will be published monthly. The scheme will remain in place until the traffic filters trial is introduced, once Botley Road reopens, expected to be August 2026.

You can find out more about the congestion charge, how to pay, who’s eligible for a free permit and how to apply at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/congestioncharge

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