Oxford congestion charge start date announced by council

Oxford’s congestion charge is going to come in earlier than expected after Oxfordshire County Council announced its start date.

The temporary scheme was approved by the council’s cabinet at a meeting on September 10 with the aim that it would be introduced no later than November 10.

The county council has now said the scheme will start Wednesday, October 29.

Residents can now apply for permits using the council’s online registration system which will be valid for 12 months.

Under the scheme, motorists will be charged £5 for driving through six roads in the city unless they have a permit or exemption.

The charge will be payable only once per day, and allows cars to go through multiple charge locations per day, or any single charge location multiple times per day.

Permits are available for a number of residents, including blue badge holders, care workers, mobile traders, and patients with frequent hospital visits.

Residents within the Oxford permit area can also get 100-day passes, while those in the Oxfordshire permit area can get 25-day passes.

Any vehicle that is not a car, such as a bus, van or motorbike, is automatically exempt and owners do not need to apply for a permit.

The roads affected include 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.

Councillor Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management, said: “Oxford needs to reduce the number of cars on its roads to thrive.

“I am delighted that we have now reached this important milestone in implementing the temporary congestion charge in Oxford.

“Together with the significant reduction in congestion that we will see with the temporary charge, the permits will enable those who need to make trips by car, to do so much more easily.

“Thank you to residents, businesses and partners who have provided us with feedback on this temporary charge, including the consultation in the summer and representations to cabinet earlier in September.

“We have used this to develop the different types of permits available.”