Oxford’s Temporary Congestion Charge Set to Launch on 29 October

A temporary congestion charge will come into effect in Oxford on Tuesday, 29 October, as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s efforts to ease traffic levels in the city while Botley Road remains closed.

The measure has been introduced to help manage congestion until the planned traffic filter trial can begin.

The temporary scheme will operate across six designated routes within Oxford. Vehicles with valid permits—including those held by residents, carers, traders, and blue badge users—will be able to pass through the charge points without cost. Drivers without a permit will need to pay a £5 daily charge to use these routes.

According to the council, the initiative aims to make the city healthier, safer, and more accessible, while supporting bus service improvements and encouraging sustainable travel. Both Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company have already announced adjustments to their services in response, and the council has confirmed that it will offer free Park and Ride bus travel for the first three months of the scheme.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, welcomed the cooperation between the council and local transport providers:

“I am very pleased that Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company have come forward with significant service improvements, and that we as a council are able to offer the benefit of free park and ride bus travel as a result of this scheme.“We will be watching the impacts carefully as residents, visitors and businesses adjust to the temporary congestion charge.”

The free Park and Ride offer allows up to two adults and three children with a valid parking ticket to travel to and from city Park and Ride sites at no additional cost. Tickets will be valid across Stagecoach, Oxford Bus Company, and Thames Travel buses serving Park and Ride locations, not just the designated services.

A range of permit options are available to ensure essential and accessible travel continues smoothly. Applications for residents, carers, blue badge holders, and traders can be made via the Oxfordshire County Council website, which also lists full eligibility criteria and exemption details.

Motorists driving without a permit can pay the congestion charge online by midnight on the day after travelling through any of the six charging points. Payments can also be made by phone, with no account setup required.