Public's Oxford congestion charge views revealed

There could soon be a £5 congestion charge for some drivers in Oxford

Nearly three quarters of people who responded to a six-week consultation about a congestion charge in Oxford said it would negatively impact them, a council has said.

A total of 7,165 people gave their views on proposals to introduce the temporary measure.

In the survey, 66% of people said there should not be a charge, while 74% said it would negatively affect them.

The council said the feedback would be reviewed by the council's Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 27 August, and a decision on whether to implement the scheme would be made on 10 September.

The council said the plans had already been amended to address some of the concerns raised.

It also said there was "significant support" for the proposal's aims - to improve bus services, make it easier for those with permits - including carers, traders and blue badge holders - to travel by car, and improve air quality.

Cabinet member for transport management Andrew Gant said the committee would "fully debate the subject and make its own thoughts and recommendations clear to the council's cabinet".

The council said the proposals now included more detail, with recommendations to provide free park and ride journeys alongside the introduction of the temporary charge.

This would last for an initial period of two months, covering the busy Christmas period.

The council is also considering additional permits for certain circumstances, including for ice hockey clubs and business cars.