A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed that the Department for Transport (DfT) was contacted about signage for Oxford’s proposed congestion charge before local elections took place, according to our Local Democracy Reporter Esme Kenney.
The £5 daily charge, which would apply to motorists using several key roads in the city without a permit, was first publicly announced by Oxfordshire County Council in June — weeks after the 01 May local elections.
The FOI, submitted by independent councillor David Henwood, showed that council officers explored feasibility with the DfT prior to the election. Mr Henwood accused the administration of “deceiving and withholding” information from the public.
He said: “Did the Lib Dems use pre-election rules to camouflage what they were doing with the congestion charge? It’s clearly not a very transparent administration, that’s using a cloak and dagger approach to bring in the scheme that most residents do not welcome.”
Pre-election rules prevent councils from publishing material that could be seen as influencing voters, especially around politically contentious issues.
If approved, the charge would apply to:
- Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street and St. Clement’s Street (7.00am–7.00pm daily)
- Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way (7.00am–9.00am and 3.00pm–6.00pm, Monday to Saturday)
Certain groups, including blue badge holders, unpaid carers, and business vehicles, would be exempt or eligible for permits. Oxford city residents would be entitled to 100 day passes, while county residents would get 25.
Read more: Lib Dems defend congestion charge plans after criticism over election silence
Mr Henwood argued that some of the roads earmarked for charging “do not suffer from congestion” and suggested that traffic issues at St Clements and The Plain were being overlooked.
A county council spokesperson defended the decision to make early enquiries to the DfT: “Council officers began working on options to mitigate the impacts of the Botley Road closure when the continued delay to reopening the road was announced.
“Enquiries to DfT about signage were required as the proposal could not have proceeded without sign authorisation. It was prudent to understand the DfT’s position prior to announcing in case it was a non-starter.”
The spokesperson confirmed that a formal application to the DfT for sign authorisation was only made after the election, once the council’s cabinet had been briefed.
The Liberal Democrats, who won a majority on Oxfordshire County Council for the first time in May, have faced criticism for not including mention of the congestion charge in their campaign material. They have defended their position, saying that the scheme only became viable after further assessment.
The public consultation on the congestion charge scheme closes on 3 August, with the county council cabinet due to make a final decision in September.
