Map shows where Oxford plans UK’s first congestion charge in 20 years

Drivers in Oxford face a £5 London-style congestion charge after controversial plans were approved.

The university city will soon start charging drivers at six congestion hotspots in a bid to reduce traffic.

Motorists will have to pay a £5 daily congestion charge to access the city center, which will operate during peak traffic times.

The council aims to have the scheme up and running by November 10.

It aims to reduce traffic, making bus journeys faster and more reliable, allowing new bus routes, making cycling and walking safer and reducing air pollution, Oxford County Council said.

The congestion zone will only run temporarily until the council can launch its camera-operated traffic filters in 2026.

The council said traffic levels and congestion ‘in and around Oxford are high.’

Residents and businesses were asked to comment on the proposal as part of a consultation, with over 7,000 responses received.

Once the Oxford scheme starts, it will be the first one to launch in 20 years after congestion charges in London and Durham.

Locals opposing the scheme have vowed to launch a legal challenge.

They have set up a group called ‘Open Roads for Oxford,’ which is reportedly engaging with a lawyer.

Independent councillor David Henwood told ITV: ‘It’s been bulldozed through by an authority that just does not want to listen to the voices of Oxford and their concerns and how it’s going to affect their businesses, the way they travel, the way they access entertainment in the evening in Oxford.’

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: ‘Oxford needs a more sustainable, reliable and inclusive transport system for everyone. People have told us they want quicker journeys, more reliable bus services, and safer cycling and walking. In order to achieve that we need to reduce the number of cars on our roads. That is what the temporary congestion charge is set to achieve.’

The plan has been controversial from the start, with some locals fearing it could be bad for business.

Local taxi driver Ansar Hussain, 52, said the charge is ‘a bad idea.’

‘They say it is an environmental measure, but eventually all vehicles will be hybrid anyway so I think they are just trying to cash in,’ he said.

‘Look at London. If I didn’t have the cab, I wouldn’t go to London because of ULEZ. If a passenger wants to go, it will be so expensive.’

The Oxford Conservatives said: ‘Many people rely on their cars and local Conservatives are calling on the Liberal Democrats to scrap these plans and stop penalising road users and local businesses, who will be hit hard by these changes.’

Meanwhile, Dan Roisier, 41, from Oxford and the owner of a bike-themed Peloton coffee shop, backed the idea.

He said: ‘I think people who are against it often don’t live in the city. I mean, the Lib Dems got a majority on the council with those measures.

‘I cycle to work. I don’t like a city full of cars. But they should have invested more in public transport before bringing it in.’

People reacted to the announcement on social media, and some were not impressed with the plan.

Simon said: ‘Fleecing cash strapped families who rely on cars.’

Heather said: ‘Ridiculous!’

Will said: ‘Shock! The consultation is just ticking a box. It will happen regardless you mark my words.’

Richard wrote: ‘Just get on with it!’

The London congestion charge zone was launched in 2003 during Ken Livingstone’s mayoralship.

But it was Durham leading the way, with a congestion charge introduced in October 2002 – the first-ever in the UK.

The London congestion charge, which applies in central London, is set to rise from £15 to £18 next year.

This article was first published on June 19.

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