Authority to scrutinise congestion charge proposal

The scheme could launch as soon as Autumn 2025

Plans to implement a congestion charge in Oxford are set to be studied, following the end of a public consultation into the proposed scheme.

Oxfordshire County Council's scrutiny committee will discuss the scheme, and the consultation results, at a meeting on Wednesday.

More than 7,000 people responded to an Oxfordshire County Council consultation, with about three quarters of respondents saying the plans would negatively impact them.

Under the current proposals, cars would have to pay a £5 daily charge to enter Oxford via six roads around the city.

In a statement ahead of the meeting, the council said the proposals would be "carefully scrutinised" before being considered by cabinet in September.

"This will include considering all feedback received as part of the consultation – which has been published," the authority explained.

"No decision has been made yet," it emphasised.

Recommendations to provide free park and ride journeys for an initial period of two months, as well as additional permits for ice hockey clubs and business cars have all been added to the plans following the consultation.

The council wants to introduce the temporary charge whilst it is unable to implement already approved traffic filters - which have been delayed by the on-going Botley Road works.

The charge would apply to car drivers only, and permits would be available for carers, traders, blue badge holders and those commuting to or living in a central area of the city.

But the scheme has proved controversial, with those opposed to it previously labelling it as "disgusting", "unfair and unjust".