Oxfordshire news: Thousands of drivers to be hit with £5 daily fee as new road charges launch within weeks

Ahead of the launch, the council teams have now begun installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and finalising road signage this week, marking what officials called a “major milestone” in the city’s plans to tackle gridlock and improve air quality.

The move comes amid continued disruption caused by the long-term closure of Botley Road, a key route into the city that has been shut since April 2023 for National Rail upgrades.

With the roadworks preventing the start of the council’s separate traffic-filter trial, the temporary congestion charge is being introduced as an “interim measure” to reduce congestion and “keep Oxford moving”.

Under the new system, drivers without a valid permit will be charged £5 per day to drive through six designated points across the city.

The charge will apply from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, and will cover routes including Hythe Bridge Street, Thames Street, St Cross Road, St Clement’s Street, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way.

Vehicles such as buses, vans, and motorcycles will be exempt, as will motorists holding a permit issued by the council.

Drivers eligible for permits include carers, blue badge holders, traders, residents and certain business or community organisations.

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Councillor Andrew Gant, the council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said the scheme would make it easier for essential journeys to take place while cutting traffic levels across the city.

He said: “This is another important milestone in delivering a cleaner, more accessible Oxford.

“The temporary congestion charge will help reduce queues, improve air quality, and make public transport more reliable.

“Together with our free park-and-ride offer, this will help everyone move around the city more easily and support local businesses as we head into the busy Christmas period.”

Mr Gant, a Liberal Democrat councillor representing Wolvercote and Cutteslowe, thanked residents and businesses who took part in a two-month consultation over the summer, which resulted in several new permit types being introduced — including for sports club members and vehicles used for military training.

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OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

In a move aimed at easing the transition, the council has announced that from October 29, passengers with a valid park-and-ride parking ticket will be entitled to free bus travel for an initial three-month period.

The scheme covers services operated by Stagecoach, Oxford Bus Company, and Thames Travel, allowing up to two adults and three children per parking ticket to travel free between the city and any park-and-ride site.

Officials explained that the free service will be funded directly from congestion charge income and will help encourage drivers to leave their cars outside the city centre.

The congestion charge will operate on a daily payment basis, meaning drivers only need to pay once per day, regardless of the number of charge points they pass through.

The council stated that the charge will remain in place until the traffic-filter trial can commence, which is anticipated once Botley Road reopens, currently scheduled for August 2026.

However, the council did note that the temporary scheme will run for no more than two years in total.

Any revenue collected, officials insist, will be ring-fenced for public transport improvements, including cheaper fares, enhanced bus frequencies, and sustainable travel initiatives across Oxfordshire.

But the move has sparked mixed reactions from residents and motorists. Supporters have argued that the temporary charge will make Oxford’s roads safer and less congested.

At the same time, the majority of motorists have claimed the charges will unfairly target drivers already struggling with high fuel and living costs.

Oxfordshire County Council maintained that the congestion charge will “balance access and sustainability,” reducing unnecessary car use while protecting essential journeys.