Call for 'half-baked' traffic plan to be withdrawn

A total of 7,165 residents gave their views on the proposals

Plans for a congestion charge in Oxford are "half-baked" and should be withdrawn, opposition councillors have said.

Oxfordshire County Council is due to make a decision about whether to introduce the temporary scheme on 10 September.

If approved it would see motorists charged £5 per day for driving through several of Oxford's roads without a permit.

A spokesperson for the council said since "90% of people access the city centre by non-car modes, this would be of significant benefit to the majority of visitors".

As part of a consultation, 7,165 residents gave their views on the proposals, with nearly three quarters of them saying they would negatively impact them.

The council's Labour group said the people of Oxfordshire had "told the county council cabinet loud and clear that their half-baked traffic scheme is not fit for purpose".

"It should be withdrawn and rethought," a statement said.

"We remain concerned that the administration remains blind to the disproportionate impact this policy will have on Oxfordshire's deprived communities."

Both Labour groups on the city and county council, as well as Labour MP for Oxford East Anneliese Dodds, opposed the congestion charge when it was announced.

The county council said the scheme was proposed "to make [park and ride fares] cheaper".

"If we are to provide the faster, cheaper and more reliable buses, and improved walking and cycling infrastructure that people say they want, we need to reduce traffic first," a spokesperson said.

"Given that 90% of people access the city centre by non-car modes, this would be of significant benefit to the majority of visitors."

The council said the feedback would be reviewed by its Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 27 August.