Nearly three quarters of people who responded to Oxfordshire County Council’s consultation believe a proposed £5 congestion charge would negatively affect their lives, according to our Local Democracy Reporter Esme Kenney.
The six-week survey gathered 7,165 responses, with 74 per cent saying the plan would have a negative or very negative impact. By contrast, 20.3 per cent felt it would have a positive effect, while 5.7 per cent said it would have no impact. Two-thirds of respondents said there should not be a charge at all.
The council has responded by tweaking its proposal to include free park and ride tickets in November and December, as well as additional permits for business vehicles and community groups such as ice hockey clubs.
Read more: Petition against Oxford’s £5 congestion charge gains 6,500 signatures in three days
Councillor Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management, thanked residents for their feedback, noting that officers are working through the responses ahead of the cabinet decision on Wednesday, 10 September.
Opposition councillor David Henwood criticised the plans, pointing to a 13,500-signature petition against the scheme. He argued that low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) schemes were the real cause of congestion and that the charge was “poorly thought out.”
The consultation report recognised significant opposition but stressed that the charge is designed as a temporary stop-gap until traffic filters can be introduced, delayed by the Botley Road closure.
If implemented, motorists would pay £5 daily for driving on key Oxford roads without a permit, including Hythe Bridge Street, Thames Street, St Cross Road and St Clement’s Street, from 7.00am to 7.00pm, as well as Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way during peak weekday hours.
The scheme has divided opinion. While residents and small business groups have strongly opposed it, bus operators, taxi associations, and cycling campaigners have voiced support, saying it will help reduce congestion and improve public transport reliability.
A final decision on whether to approve the charge will be made by the county council cabinet in September.
