Free park and ride journeys and additional permit types have been added to proposals for a temporary congestion charge in Oxford, due to be discussed by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet on 10 September.
The amendments follow a six-week consultation held between 23 June and 3 August, which received 7,165 responses. Feedback raised concerns about fairness, impacts on local businesses, and the effectiveness of the scheme.
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In response, the council has adjusted the proposals, which will first be reviewed by the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 27 August before going to cabinet for a decision.
The scheme has been designed to reduce traffic in the short term while Botley Road remains closed, delaying the start of the traffic filter trial. It aims to improve bus services, support permit holders such as carers, traders and blue badge holders, and contribute to better air quality across the city.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said:
“We are very grateful to the thousands of people who have taken the time to respond and give us their detailed views on this important proposal for Oxford.
“Our officers have been carefully working through and considering those responses. All of this information along with officers’ recommendations will be presented to the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting in the last week of August.
“That committee will fully debate the subject and make its own thoughts and recommendations clear to the council’s cabinet. A decision will then be taken at cabinet on 10 September. I look forward to reviewing all of the information that will be presented that day and debating this matter with cabinet colleagues.”
Survey results showed that 66 per cent of respondents opposed any charge, 7.7 per cent thought the proposed charge was too high, and 73.9 per cent believed the plans would negatively affect them.
Despite this, the consultation also revealed significant support for reducing congestion, improving air quality, and enhancing public transport.
The updated proposals now include free park and ride journeys during the scheme’s initial two months, covering the busy Christmas period, before being reviewed. Additional permits are also under consideration for circumstances such as business vehicles and ice hockey clubs.
If approved, the temporary congestion charge could be introduced in autumn 2025.
