An Oxford MP has criticised plans to push ahead with introducing a £5 congestion charge, after nearly three quarters of people who responded to a public consultation said the scheme would negatively impact them, according to our Local Democracy Reporter Esme Kenney.
Oxfordshire County Council is considering the temporary measure, which would charge motorists £5 per day for driving through several of Oxford’s roads without a permit.
A total of 7,165 people took part in the six-week consultation, with 74 per cent saying the charge would have a negative or very negative impact. Despite this, the scheme is being recommended for approval in September.
Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, said she “regrets that the county is determined to push ahead” with the plan, in a letter addressed to Councillor Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management.
In response to the consultation, the council has amended its proposal to include free park and ride tickets in November and December, as well as extra permits for groups such as ice hockey clubs.
However, Ms Dodds said she was “deeply disappointed” that revenue from the charge appeared to be directed towards measures that would “uniquely benefit residents from outside the city”, despite many residents asking for the money to reduce bus travel costs for everyone.
She also raised concerns about the impact on low-income households and asked whether responses had been analysed by postcode.
A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said the congestion charge is intended as a temporary measure to reduce traffic until the already-approved traffic filters trial can begin.
They added: “If we are to provide the faster, cheaper and more reliable buses, and improved walking and cycling infrastructure that people say they want, we need to reduce traffic first. No decision has been made yet.”
If introduced, the congestion charge would apply on Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street and St Clement’s Street daily between 7.00am and 7.00pm, as well as on Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way Monday to Saturday from 7.00am to 9.00am and 3.00pm to 6.00pm.
The final decision on whether the scheme will go ahead will be made by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday, September 10.
