Cowley residents and business owners have warned that their community could be disproportionately affected by Oxfordshire County Council’s proposed congestion charge, according to our Local Democracy Reporter Esme Kenney.
The council is expected to decide in September whether to introduce the temporary £5 daily charge on several city roads, potentially starting in autumn.
One of the affected roads is Hollow Way, where drivers would need to pay between 7.00am to 9.00am and 3.00pm to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday unless they have a permit.
Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, voiced concerns about Cowley’s situation in a letter to councillor Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management.
Read more: Oxford MP criticises county council’s plans to push ahead with congestion charge
Local trader Niaz Ali, who owns Holloway Autoparts, said:
“As a shop owner we get regular questions now about whether [the council] will shut our road down.
“There’s not enough information, and even the idea of it puts people off. We have never been visited by anyone in the council. They have got no feedback and no plan in place for what to do if we are disproportionately affected.”
Although customers can reach his store via the bypass, Mr Ali said the detour can add up to half an hour to their journeys.
“We have had a few regular customers who now avoid us because of the traffic that’s been created. It seems as if they have this plan to reduce congestion and traffic which is good, but ill-thought out. We will lose trade over it – there’s no question.”
Councillor Saj Malik, who represents Cowley, echoed concerns:
“So many residents and business owners in Cowley will be disproportionately impacted by the congestion charge if it goes ahead.
“The councillors who are proposing this scheme seem to have little awareness of the complexities of how people live their lives day to day.
“As usual, it’s those who are the least well off who will end up bearing the brunt. I urge the decision makers to come to Cowley to engage with ordinary folk, and not only listen but act on what they hear.”
An spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said the scheme is intended to improve transport across the city by cutting congestion, improving bus services, and making walking and cycling safer.
They added that Cowley residents would, like others in Oxford, be eligible for 100 day passes per vehicle keeper, while carers, traders, and blue badge holders could apply for permits.
The spokesperson noted that the measure is a short-term way to reduce traffic while Botley Road remains closed, delaying the start of the traffic filter trial.
They added that the council will monitor footfall and spending data in affected areas, though Hollow Way is not currently included in the shopping districts being tracked.
Other roads set to be affected include Marston Ferry Road during the same hours as Hollow Way, and Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street, and St Clement’s Street from 7.00am to 7.00pm daily.
