Ongoing coverage of Oxford’s newly approved congestion charge proposals

Oxford business owners have intensified criticism of Oxfordshire County Council’s anti-car traffic measures, claiming they are damaging trade ahead of the planned introduction of traffic filters. Members of the Oxford Business Action Group (OBAG) told councillors that businesses have experienced falling footfall, reduced customer spending and inadequate consultation.

While council data suggests most businesses are performing the same or better than a year ago, 58% of shopfront businesses reported fewer customers since the temporary congestion charge began. Business leaders are calling for greater transparency, stronger evidence of economic benefits and more meaningful engagement as Oxford’s transport strategy evolves.

New survey findings suggest most Oxford businesses have remained resilient since the introduction of the temporary congestion charge, with 79 per cent reporting performance that is the same or better than a year ago. However, suburban businesses have faced greater challenges, while consumer spending has declined across the city broadly in line with national trends.

Oxford Bus Company is promoting free Park & Ride travel during English Tourism Week as part of efforts to encourage visitors into Oxford city centre. Passenger numbers across the Oxfordshire network are up eight per cent year-on-year, with a third of the increase on Park & Ride services.

The free travel offer, introduced alongside Oxford’s temporary congestion charge, aims to support sustainable travel while reducing traffic. Easter activities will also include a City Sightseeing Oxford bunny hop trail.

Free park and ride bus journeys in Oxford will continue until the end of March 2026 after a strong increase in passenger numbers.

Introduced alongside the temporary congestion charge while Botley Road remains closed, the scheme has led to more than 179,000 additional journeys in its first two months.

Oxfordshire County Council and bus operators say the extension is helping to cut traffic, improve air quality and provide faster, more reliable bus services across the city.

Oxford Bus Company has announced free travel across its Park & Ride network for three months as part of a series of major improvements to Oxford’s bus services.

Coinciding with a temporary congestion charge from 29 October, the initiative will enhance services citywide through the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership.

Changes include more frequent routes, new stops, and improved links to hospitals and key destinations, with a new night service and extended timetables also benefiting passengers across Oxford and surrounding areas.

Community campaigner Amir Steve Ali has taken his fight against Oxford’s congestion charge to 10 Downing Street, handing in a 2,000-signature petition and a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Oxfordshire County Council approved the £5 charge earlier this month, despite 74 per cent of consultation responses opposing it. Ali, a former MP candidate for Oxford East, said residents felt “cheated” and “ignored”. The scheme begins October 29, with exemptions for some groups, and will be replaced by traffic filters when Botley Road reopens.

Anneliese Dodds MP has responded to an open letter from Oxfordshire County Council’s transport chief, Andrew Gant, in the latest clash over Oxford’s congestion charge. The £5 scheme, set to begin October 29, has faced strong opposition.

Dodds, alongside Susan Brown and Liz Brighouse, criticised funding priorities and a lack of investment in cycling infrastructure, while rejecting Gant’s claims that Labour’s stance undermines pedestrian safety. The row underscores deep divisions over the impact and fairness of the controversial charge.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has raised concerns about the impact of Oxfordshire County Council’s newly approved congestion charge on staff and patients.

Acting CEO Simon Crowther said the scheme could impose a financial burden, noting that half of OUH’s staff commute by car, often from outside the ring road.

The trust is calling for a simplified permit system and improved transport links, while the county council maintains that hospitals will remain accessible without charges.

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds has condemned Oxfordshire County Council’s decision to introduce a £5 daily congestion charge, calling it “extremely unfair”. The temporary scheme, approved by the council’s cabinet, will apply to six city roads until Botley Road reopens in 2026.

Supporters argue it will cut congestion, speed up buses and improve safety, while business groups and some councillors warn of serious economic harm. The council expects to raise £3.2m in 10 months, ringfenced for transport improvements.

Oxfordshire County Council has approved a controversial £5 daily congestion charge for six Oxford roads, set to begin no later than 10 November 2025.

The scheme, backed by bus and active travel groups but opposed by businesses, schools and the city council, is expected to raise £3.2m annually for transport improvements.

While 74% of consultation respondents said the plan would negatively impact them, council leaders argue it will reduce traffic, improve bus services, and promote sustainable travel across Oxford.

A newly formed group, Open Roads for Oxford, has threatened imminent legal action if Oxfordshire County Council approves a temporary congestion charge for the city. The £5 daily fee would apply on six roads without a permit or exemption. Business owners and residents say the scheme will damage trade and add unfair costs, while a petition opposing it has gathered more than 13,000 signatures. The council insists its cabinet will review the proposal before making a decision.

New data from Oxfordshire County Council’s consultation shows stronger opposition to the proposed £5 congestion charge in rural postcodes compared with the city. Overall, 74% of respondents said the scheme would negatively affect them. Opposition was highest in OX18, covering Carterton and Burford, with 93% against.

Within Oxford, support was higher, with 36% backing the scheme in OX1. Rural councillors voiced concerns over impacts on their communities, while the council expects to raise £3.2 million if approved.