The Labour group has demanded that Oxfordshire County Council withdraw its “half-baked” plans for a congestion charge in Oxford, accusing the administration of ignoring local people, according to our Local Democracy Reporter Esme Kenney.
The temporary scheme would see motorists charged £5 per day for driving through several city roads without a permit.
Of the 7,165 people who took part in the six-week consultation, 74 per cent said the charge would have a negative impact on them, compared with 20.3 per cent who felt it would have a positive effect and 5.7 per cent who thought it would have no impact.
A statement from the county council’s Labour group said:
“The people of Oxfordshire have told the county council cabinet loud and clear that their half-baked traffic scheme is not fit for purpose. It should be withdrawn and rethought.
Communities have taken the time to express their anger at being overlooked when it comes to decision making on transport. This needs to change.
Despite almost three quarters of respondents expressing concern at plans, all indications are that the Lib Dems will once again push ahead – ignoring local people.
Over 7,000 people completed the public consultation. Despite this, no meaningful changes have been made.
We remain concerned that the administration remains blind to the disproportionate impact this policy will have on Oxfordshire’s deprived communities.
The council’s botched roll out of digital parking permits has left us with little faith that unpaid carers and disabled people will be able to access the exemptions they have been promised.”
The group added that residents need “accessible alternatives” to car travel, urging the council to bring buses back into public control instead of “asking Oxfordshire’s poorest to pay charges they can’t afford”.
Both Labour groups on Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council, along with Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds, have opposed the charge since it was announced.
A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said the authority has been urged — including by Oxford City Council — to take urgent action to cut congestion and improve bus journeys. They explained the congestion charge is intended as a temporary measure before the already-approved traffic filters trial begins.
The spokesperson said most of the city would remain accessible without passing a charge point, and that reducing traffic is necessary if Oxford is to deliver faster, more affordable buses and better walking and cycling routes.
The council added that park and ride fares would be reduced, benefiting the majority of visitors given that 90 per cent of people already travel into the city by non-car modes. They stressed that no final decision has yet been made.
The county council’s cabinet will decide on the scheme on September 10.
If introduced, the £5 daily charge would apply on Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street and St Clement’s Street between 7.00am and 7.00pm daily, as well as Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way from Monday to Saturday during peak hours (7.00am–9.00am and 3.00pm–6.00pm).
Permits will be available for certain groups, including blue badge holders.
