Map reveals which roads could be affected by Oxford congestion charge plans

A new map reveals which roads would be affected by Oxfordshire County Council’s plans to introduce a temporary congestion charge in Oxford.

The county council cabinet will discuss different options for easing congestion in the interim between the delayed traffic filter trial at their meeting next Tuesday (June 17).

The traffic filter trial, where motorists would be fined £70 for driving through the filter without a permit, is set to begin after the expected reopening of Botley Road in August 2026.

The proposed congestion charge means those driving a car through the affected roads without a permit would have to pay £5, but all other vehicles will be exempt.

The six charge locations would be on Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street and St. Clement’s Street every day from 7am to 7pm, as well as Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way Monday to Saturday from 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm.

These are the same roads where the county council plan to introduce traffic filters after August 2026.

The council say the congestion charge would end once Botley Road reopens and the traffic filters are implemented.

The permits for the congestion charge would be the same as the traffic filters, which include Blue Badge holders, unpaid carers, cars needed by businesses to carry goods or equipment and emergency vehicles.

A new type of permit will also be introduced for residents of an area who have no option but to drive through a temporary charge location, as well as their visitors and those commuting to that specific area for work.

At their meeting next week, the cabinet will be asked to approve a six-week public consultation, which would begin on June 23.

The scheme could be implemented as soon as autumn 2025.