Free bus travel to coincide with congestion charge

The free journeys will begin for an initial three month period from 29 October

Free bus travel from Oxford's park and ride sites is set to be introduced to coincide with the start of a congestion charge in the city.

Oxfordshire County Council said some funds raised by the new charge would be reinvested into the free journeys, which will begin for an initial three-month period from 29 October.

The authority's transport chief, Andrew Gant, said the move would "support local businesses" and help "more visitors come and enjoy our fabulous city".

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds has previously criticised plans to spend money raised by the new charge on people from outside of Oxford as "unfair".

To coincide with the start of congestion charging, the council announced on Tuesday that up to two adults and three children with a valid park and ride ticket will be able to claim free travel to and from the sites.

The tickets will be valid on any Stagecoach or Oxford Bus Company bus that visits an Oxford park and ride site, the council added.

Andrew Gant said the move would "support local businesses"

Councillor Andrew Gant said he was "very happy" to offer the "great saving and incentive to use our park and ride services".

He said the move was "helping us all move around the city faster, thanks to the temporary congestion charge".

"The congestion charge is also set to bring a whole host of new and improved bus services, laid on by bus companies, with more details expected very soon," he added.

But former cabinet minister Anneliese Dodds previously criticised subsidising park and ride travel as it would "uniquely benefit residents from outside the city".

"This seems extremely unfair," she said.

"The consultation showed that the most popular use of monies from the charge was to reduce the cost of bus travel for all (and not just car drivers from outside Oxford)."

Annaliese Dodds previously labelled the plan "unfair"

Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet announced last month that the £5 daily fee for car drivers on six roads would be introduced on 29 October.

Residents can now apply for permits using the council's online registration system, which will be valid for 12 months.

The scheme applies to car drivers only and permits are available for carers, traders, blue badge holders and those commuting to or living in a central area of the city.