Travel benefits proposed to be funded from Oxford congestion charge income
Proposals for a £4.2 million temporary congestion charge investment plan will be discussed by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet on 21 April. Investment could include extending the offer of free park and ride bus journeys in Oxford until the end of December 2026 and additional benefits for NHS and school staff working in Oxford.
Free park and ride bus travel was introduced on 29 October to support the temporary congestion charge, which has been implemented as an interim measure while Botley Road remains closed, preventing the start of the traffic filter trial.
The continued offer of free park and ride bus travel is one way that income from the council’s temporary congestion charge scheme could be spent. Other proposed initiatives that could also be funded by the temporary scheme include:
- Free weekday park and ride parking for NHS and school staff working in Oxford for nine months from 1 June 2026, for work travel.
- Free weekday bus travel for NHS and school staff working in Oxford for nine months from 1 June 2026, for work travel.
- Hospital express park and ride services for 12 months from 1 October 2026.
- Active travel infrastructure, including pedestrian crossings, side road entry treatments, and secure cycle parking.
- Free bus travel for six months per participant in the council’s Connect to Work programme for 2026 - 27.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management said: “The temporary congestion charge is giving residents and visitors to the city faster journeys, cleaner air, reduced traffic and safer streets.
“I’m very pleased that we’re now able to discuss how we invest further in giving people more choice and convenience when it comes to getting to and around Oxford, including to major hospital sites.
“It’s my hope that some lasting benefits from the temporary congestion charge will also support the transition to the traffic filters trial after Botley Road reopens.”
The free park and ride bus travel offer is currently set to continue until 31 May 2026.
Up to two adults and three children with a valid park and ride parking ticket are able to claim free travel to and from park and ride sites in the city. The tickets must be obtained from the bus driver at a park and ride site, and are valid on any Stagecoach, Oxford Bus Company or Thames Travel bus that stops at a park and ride site in Oxford, not just named park and ride services.
Further details about proposed initiatives will be made available when confirmed by cabinet.
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