Drivers in Oxford have been warned that the city’s temporary congestion charge will be scrapped this September, after the local authority approved plans for a new traffic filter scheme.
Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed the £5 congestion charge will end on September 13, with the long-delayed traffic filter trial beginning on September 14 following the planned reopening of Botley Road at the end of August.
The new system will operate at the same six locations as the congestion charge, although drivers will no longer be able to pay £5 to pass through the cameras during restricted hours.
Instead, motorists without a permit will receive a £70 penalty, although reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
The trial will run under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order and could remain in place for up to 18 months.
The council said all parts of Oxford will still be accessible by car once Botley Road reopens, although some journeys may require drivers to take an alternative route instead of travelling through one of the traffic filters.
Cabinet Member for Transport Gareth Epps 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.”
Oxford’s congestion charge will end in September when new traffic filters are introduced
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PAThe traffic filters have been designed to improve bus journey times and reduce congestion by preventing cars from driving through six key routes in the city during busy periods.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras will continue to enforce the restrictions, meaning there will be no physical barriers on the roads.
Restrictions on Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement’s Street and Thames Street will apply seven days a week from 7am until 7pm.
Meanwhile, the filters on Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way will operate Monday to Saturday between 7am and 9am, and again from 3pm until 6pm.
The congestion charge has raised £4.2million for the council | PA
Permits will continue to be available on broadly the same terms as the congestion charge, including for Blue Badge holders and frequent hospital patients.
Most existing permit holders will not need to do anything, as their congestion charge permits will automatically convert to traffic filter permits before the scheme starts.
Applications are also open for new permits, with residents living within the Oxford permit area eligible for 100 day passes each year, while people living in the wider Oxfordshire permit area can apply for 25 day passes annually.
The council has also confirmed that the former central Oxford permit area will be absorbed into the wider Oxford permit area once Botley Road reopens.
The six streets marked in green are part of Oxford’s congestion charge scheme | OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
However, to help motorists adjust to the new rules, drivers will not immediately be hit with fines during the early stages of the trial.
For the first six months, anyone driving through a traffic filter without a valid permit for the first time will receive a warning notice instead of a penalty charge.
A six-month public consultation will also launch on September 14, allowing residents and businesses to share their views on how the scheme is working.
Mr Epps shared: “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.”