Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) has raised concerns about how Oxfordshire County Council’s newly approved congestion charge could affect staff and patients, to our Local Democracy Reporter Esme Kenney.
The temporary £5 daily charge, approved unanimously by the council’s cabinet on 10 September, will apply to several city roads. While the county council has stressed that all hospitals will remain accessible without paying the charge, OUH’s acting CEO, Simon Crowther, warned that the scheme could still place an additional burden on staff and visitors.
In a letter submitted during the consultation process, Mr Crowther said:
“Patients and their visitors travel to our sites from all over the country. Attending a hospital appointment can be stressful. Half our staff drive to work. The average staff commute is 14 miles and 41 minutes each way.
“Due to high house prices locally, many of our staff live beyond the ring road. The cost-of-living crisis has had a significant impact on our staff. Any additional financial burden (such as a £5 congestion charge) will be detrimental.”
The trust highlighted that more than 1,100 staff members used cars for work purposes in the last financial year, including IT, security, and clinical staff. It called for a simplified permit application process to ensure patients and staff are not unduly disadvantaged, particularly those who may struggle with digital applications.
OUH also urged the council to consider initiatives such as free or reduced parking at park and ride sites, direct express buses to hospital sites, and clearer signage showing charging points.
The council, however, has sought to reassure hospital users. A spokesperson said:
“For many people, if they choose to drive to the hospitals, they won’t even need to change their route. NHS staff or patients will therefore not need to pay the charge to get to work or to their appointments.”
As part of the scheme, park and ride fares will be free in November and December. Council officers have also been asked to review how income generated from the charge can deliver maximum benefit, with discussions ongoing about further support measures.
The congestion charge scheme will remain in place until August 2026, when it is due to be replaced by the county’s planned traffic filter trial.
