Overview
- Oxfordshire County Council’s Liberal Democrat cabinet approved the daily fee for non‑permit drivers, positioning Oxford to implement the first new UK congestion charge in more than two decades.
- The scheme will use six camera checkpoints with set hours, including Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement’s Street and Thames Street operating 7am–7pm daily, and Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way operating 7–9am and 3–6pm Monday to Saturday.
- Community health and care workers, carers, Blue Badge holders and mobile traders can obtain permits, the charge applies to cars once per day, and residents have been allocated day passes reported as 100 for Oxford and 25 for wider Oxfordshire.
- A six‑week consultation drew 7,165 responses with 74% saying the impact would be negative, and an FOI request found the council could not state how much the consultation cost.
- Local businesses report reduced footfall, a residents’ group called Open Roads for Oxford is preparing a legal challenge, more than 13,000 people have signed a petition, and non‑payment would carry a £70 penalty.