Traffic filter trial to start on 14 September
The long-planned traffic filter trial will replace Oxford’s temporary congestion charge on Monday 14 September, as a way to further reduce traffic in the city. This follows the planned reopening of Botley Road at the end of August.
Oxfordshire County Council’s traffic filter trial will operate in a similar way to the temporary congestion charge, with the filters being at the same six locations and a permit scheme in place. The trial, under an experimental traffic regulation order, can last for up to a maximum of 18 months.
The key difference is that, from 14 September, car drivers will no longer be able to pay the £5 congestion charge to go through the traffic filters. Cars with permits and all other vehicles can travel through the filters at all times. However, with Botley Road open, everywhere in Oxford will be accessible by car without driving through a traffic filter. You may need to take an alternative route, but often you won’t.
Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport said: “The traffic filter trial is designed to further reduce congestion in the city, creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive Oxford. By removing the option for drivers to pay, it aims to further reduce through-traffic and encourage more people to take public transport or walk, cycle and wheel.
“A six-month public consultation will open on 14 September, and we invite residents and businesses to give feedback on how the scheme is working for them.
“Your feedback will help us shape our future plans. We are listening and learning as we develop the best long-term solution for traffic in and around Oxford.”
Most people with congestion charge permits don’t need to take any action as their permits will be automatically transferred to traffic filter permits.
The council is contacting all permit holders before the trial starts to explain what will happen next and if they need to take any action.
For people who don’t yet have a permit, applications are now open online. Residents in the Oxford permit area are eligible for 100 day passes per year, while residents in the Oxfordshire permit area are eligible for 25 day passes per year.
About the traffic filter trial
- The traffic filter trial was approved by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet in November 2022, but implementation has been 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 will monitor and enforce the restrictions. There will be 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 locations and operating times of the traffic filters will be 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
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