How does Oxford's congestion charge work?

The new congestion charge on six Oxford streets begins on Wednesday

From Wednesday, a new congestion charge will be in place across six streets in Oxford.

The temporary measure will see car drivers charged £5 each day they pass through one of the charge points.

But with the new scheme just hours away, what do motorists need to know?

Where are the charging points?

The temporary charging points for the congestion zone are on Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement's Street, Thames Street, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way.

All of the points sit within Oxford's ring road, with three of the points sitting directly in the city centre.

Road signs have also been installed across the city to notify motorists when they are approaching one of the charge locations.

Will I be charged every time I pass a charging point?

No, the council has said the daily fee of £5 will enable motorists to drive through multiple charge locations per day.

This also applies to permits, which will mean drivers can pass through charge points without facing any fees.

One individual permit will allow them to drive past as many of the points as they wish to during that day.

When will I be charged?

The charge will be in action at Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clements Street and Thames Street between 07:00 until 19:00 from Monday to Sunday.

Meanwhile, motorists passing the Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way charge points will face fees from 07:00 to 09:00, and from 15:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday.

What vehicles will be affected?

The congestion charge applies only to cars and some motorhomes. These vehicles are classed as M1 vehicles by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

This includes electric cars.

All other vehicles, including vans and lorries, can go through the congestion charge locations without being charged.

What if I live in Oxford?

The council has created three permit areas covering Oxfordshire, with each entitled to a different amount of free travel permits.

Firstly, those living in a small part of central Oxford between the train station, St Ebbes and Cornmarket qualify for an unlimited number of day passes, as well as 50 free visitor passes.

Those in wider Oxford are eligible for 100 free permits annually, while those living elsewhere in Oxfordshire will receive 25 passes.

An in-depth map detailing where the permit zones are can be found on the county council's website.

What if I am a blue badge holder?

Blue badge holders are entitled to free unlimited travel through the charge points, as well as those with a disabled tax class vehicle, community health or care workers, unpaid carers and frequent hospital patients.

All must apply for a permit through the council's online portal.

What if I use my car for work?

Those who use business or personal cars for work may be eligible for free unlimited travel through the charging points.

To qualify, vehicles must be based in Oxford and the car must be used to carry goods, tools or equipment.

The goods, tools or equipment must be necessary for operational business purposes and not reasonably be transported on foot, by bicycle, or on public transport.

How do I pay the charge?

For those without a permit, people can pay the charge on the Oxfordshire County Council website. An account is not needed.

Motorists can pay the charge online by midnight on the day after they have driven through one of the six charge locations.

The charge can also be paid over the phone.

What if I do not have a permit and have not paid?

Automatic number plate recognition cameras will check all vehicles moving through congestion locations, the council has confirmed.

If the charge is not payed, drivers will receive a £70 fine (reduced by half to £35 if paid within 14 days).

If that fine is not paid within 28 days, it increases to £105.

Will there be a 'grace period'?

As reported by the BBC last week, drivers caught for the first time going through one Oxford's congestion charging points without a permit will receive a letter rather than a fine.

Oxfordshire County Council said there would be a six week "grace period" for the start of the scheme.

It is believed that there have been delays in processing permit applications, as well as concerns that information leaflets about the scheme would not be delivered on time.

How long will the charge last for?

The council has said the charge is a temporary measure to tackle congestion in the city until traffic filters it had planned can be installed.

The traffic filter trial is currently on hold until the ongoing works on the Botley Road are completed. This is currently planned to to be in August 2026.

The maximum time the congestion charge scheme would be in place is two years, the authority has said.