Oxford is set to launch the UK’s first new congestion charge in over 20 years, with drivers facing a £5 daily fee from 29 October.
Oxfordshire County Council, led by the Liberal Democrats, says the “temporary” charge will apply to six key city-centre roads. It’s being introduced as part of a wider plan to drastically cut car use and eventually restrict access to large parts of the historic city.
What happens now?
From 29 October, cars – including electric vehicles – and motorhomes will be charged £5 per day to use the six designated routes. Vans and some other vehicle types are exempt.
ANPR cameras will enforce the scheme:
- Four roads (Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clements Street and Thames Street): enforced 7am–7pm, seven days a week
- Two roads (Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way): enforced Mon–Sat, 7am–9am and 3pm–6pm
The charge covers multiple entries in a day. Failure to pay by midnight triggers a £70 fine, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. Ignoring it for 28 days increases the penalty to £105.
Who can get permits?
Residents can apply for a limited number of free passes, depending on their location:
- Central Oxford: unlimited plus 50 visitor passes
- Oxford residents: 100 free day passes per year
- Wider Oxfordshire residents: 25 free day passes
Up to two permits are allowed per household (or three for those within the city). Blue Badge holders can access unlimited travel through all charge points.
What’s coming next?
The council says this is only a short-term measure. Once Botley Road bridge works finish in 2026, a stricter “Traffic Filter” system will replace the congestion charge.
Under this new scheme:
- Fines of £70 will apply for entering certain roads during restricted times
- Exact operating days and hours are still to be confirmed
- Permits will remain available for residents, Blue Badge holders, unpaid carers, firefighters, car clubs, approved driving instructors and other eligible groups
Why is the council doing this?
The council claims the charge will:
- Reduce traffic
- Cut journey times for buses
- Improve air quality
- Encourage walking and cycling
- Make travel “cleaner and more accessible”
It also says the scheme, combined with free park-and-ride, will support local businesses over the Christmas period.
Local backlash and legal action
Many residents and business owners are strongly opposed, arguing that:
- It will harm city-centre trade, especially during peak shopping months
- It disproportionately affects older people, low-income households and those with mobility needs
- Previous schemes like Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and the existing Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) have already caused financial strain
A campaign group, Open Roads for Oxford, has launched legal action claiming the consultation process was flawed and that 74% of respondents said the scheme would have a negative impact.
High-profile locals, including businessman Clinton Pugh – father of actress Florence Pugh – say the measures are deepening the divide between rich and poor and hurting long-established businesses.
Wider traffic controls already in place
Oxford already operates:
- Several Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, which have generated more than £1m in fines
- The UK’s only Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ), where only EVs can enter for free. Other vehicles pay between £2 and £10 per day, with penalties for non-payment
The council will consult in 2026 on whether to expand the ZEZ to a larger area.
What happens next?
The council has been issued with a pre-action legal letter and must respond by 21 October. It can either:
- Withdraw or delay the congestion charge, or
- Proceed as planned and defend its decision in court
Campaigners say they are prepared to continue fundraising and take the matter through judicial review if necessary.
