A former MP candidate and community campaigner has taken his opposition to Oxford’s congestion charge directly to Number 10 Downing Street, to our Local Democracy Reporter Esme Kenney.
Amir Steve Ali travelled to London on Tuesday 30 September, where he handed in a petition with more than 2,000 signatures, alongside a covering letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, urging him to intervene and stop the scheme.
Oxfordshire County Council approved the introduction of a temporary £5 charge on six city roads earlier this month. The council has argued the measure will cut congestion while Botley Road remains closed, making bus services more reliable.
However, the charge has faced significant opposition, with 74 per cent of respondents to a public consultation saying it would have a negative impact.
Speaking after his visit, Mr Ali said: “Today I visited 10 Downing St for the 6th time, but this 6th visit is regarding Oxford’s congestion charge, which Oxfordshire County Council unfairly approved.
“I handed over a petition, which has more than 2000 signatures, to stop Oxford’s Congestion Charge.
“I also gave a covering letter for the Prime Minister, requesting he needs to look into this personally.
“Today’s visit was a tough one, as my health wasn’t good, I had temperature, feeling weak, and slight dizziness. But I didn’t give up, I still went there for the public.”
Mr Ali, who gained 1,761 votes as an independent candidate for Oxford East in last year’s general election, has previously visited Downing Street five times calling for action on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs).
Earlier this month, he also visited the Local Government Ombudsman’s office in Coventry, submitting a complaint against Oxfordshire County Council’s approval of the congestion charge. In his letter, he said he was “disappointed” by the decision, arguing that residents felt “cheated” and “ignored”.
Campaign group Open Roads for Oxford has also confirmed it is preparing a legal challenge against the council and has launched a fundraiser to support its case.
The temporary charge is set to begin on Wednesday 29 October, and will be replaced by traffic filters once Botley Road reopens.
Certain groups, including blue badge holders, care workers, mobile traders, and patients requiring frequent hospital visits, will be eligible for permits exempting them from the fee. Residents in the Oxford permit area will be offered 100-day passes, while those in the Oxfordshire permit area will receive 25-day passes.
The affected roads include Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street, and St Clement’s Street (7.00am to 7.00pm daily), as well as Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way (7.00 to 9.00am and 3.00 to 6.00pm, Monday to Saturday). These roads will also feature traffic filters once Botley Road reopens, with fines for non-exempt drivers.
