A petition opposing Oxford’s proposed £5 congestion charge for motorists has rapidly gained traction, gathering nearly 6,500 signatures within just three days, according to Local Deomocracy Reporter Esme Kenney.
The temporary charging scheme being introduced by Oxfordshire County Council aims to reduce traffic on key city roads ahead of a planned traffic filter trial.
If approved, it would see drivers charged £5 for using certain streets between 7.00am and 7.00pm. A decision on whether to proceed to public consultation will be considered by the county council’s cabinet on Tuesday, 17 June.
The petition describes the plans as “completely unfair” and also calls for the scrapping of the Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme, which is intended as a longer-term measure to combat congestion.
Over 4,000 comments have accompanied the petition. One signatory, Stephen B, commented: “There is already sufficient deterrents to vehicles driving around Oxford without introducing a further cost.”
Another, Zubair S, said: “It is unfair to introduce this congestion charge to the residents of Oxford who are already struggling with the cost of living.”
Streets proposed for charging include Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street, and St Clement’s Street daily from 7.00am to 7.00pm, as well as Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way during weekday peak times, 7.00am to 9.00am and 3.00pm to 6.00pm. These are the same roads proposed for the traffic filters.
Should cabinet members vote in favour, a six-week public consultation would follow before a final decision is made, with implementation potentially taking place this autumn.
Responding to concerns about the petition, Councillor Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management, said: “Should we decide to continue to consultation, we would be particularly keen to understand the impact the scheme may have on residents and businesses.”
He added: “The benefits of this proposed scheme would be felt across the city: better bus services, safer walking and cycling, easier journeys for permit holders including carers, blue badge holders and traders, and cleaner air.”
A number of exemptions and permits would be available under the scheme.
