The leader of Oxford City Council has strongly criticised county council proposals to introduce a temporary congestion charge on several key roads in the city.
If approved, the scheme could see motorists charged £5 per day for driving through six designated streets without a permit, according to Local Democracy Reporter, Esme Kenney.
Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet will consider the proposals at its meeting on Tuesday, 17 June, and will be asked to approve a public consultation on the plan. The proposed charge aims to reduce traffic congestion and would apply all year round, including bank holidays.
Read more: Temporary congestion charge proposed for Oxford as council seeks urgent fix for traffic crisis
Under the proposals, Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street and St Clement’s Street would be subject to the charge daily from 7.00am to 7.00pm. Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way would be affected Monday to Saturday during peak hours from 7.00am to 9.00am and 3.00pm to 6.00pm.
Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, accused the county council of failing to engage with local stakeholders and warned the scheme risks favouring those who can afford to “buy access to our streets”.
“There has been no engagement with businesses, residents or the city council until today- yet again the city is being done to, rather than engaged with, in preparing transport proposals,” she said.
“We are concerned that this scheme allows people who can afford to do so to buy access to our streets. Those who can’t will struggle.”
Councillor Brown also criticised comparisons made with London, calling them “unrealistic” given Oxford’s more limited public transport options.
“We believe Oxford residents deserve clear proposals to deliver a cheaper, more comprehensive bus service in the city – not just vague promises of improvements,” she added.
She said any revenue generated from the scheme should be reinvested in local public transport and called for urgent action to tackle the “very real impact” of private school traffic on congestion in the city.
Looking ahead to possible changes in local government structure, Councillor Brown said that if a Greater Oxford Council were created as part of national reorganisation plans, “there would be a full review of transport policies with a view to tackling congestion in our city.”
Under government proposals, Oxfordshire could move to a unitary model with one, two, or three councils taking full responsibility for all local services. Oxford City Council supports a three-council option, which would include a new Greater Oxford authority with expanded boundaries.
Read more: Plans unveiled for Greater Oxford Council as local government faces major reform
In response to the congestion charge plans, Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “We urgently need to see improvements to travel around the city – better bus services and less traffic overall, to help people get around.
“We must take action for our residents, businesses and visitors while Botley Road remains closed, and I look forward to discussing the options with cabinet colleagues.”
The county council has been under pressure from the Oxford Bus Group to develop a ‘Plan B’ for managing traffic following Network Rail’s announcement that Botley Road is now expected to remain closed until August 2026. This delay has forced the postponement of six proposed traffic filter trials.
Read more: Network rail announces revised Botley Road closure dates
The temporary congestion charge could be introduced as early as this autumn and would be removed once the traffic filters are implemented. Only cars without a permit would be charged; all other vehicles would be exempt.
Oxfordshire County Council has been contacted for comment.
Editorial update 10 June 2025:
Editorial update to add right of reply from Councillor Andrew Gant
When contacted for comment, councillor Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management, said the city council’s statement was “disappointing”.
He added:
“They may be reassured as they learn more about proposals to manage traffic in and around the city. The city council has asked us to take action and that is exactly what this is.
“The recommendation is to engage with businesses, residents and organisations on this idea for a congestion charge to improve bus services and travel around the city for everyone.
“Any revenue from this scheme would by law be spent on improving travel. This is a bespoke idea for Oxford, it is not the same as a London congestion charge.”
