New congestion charge 'insulting', say critics

The approval of a congestion charge scheme in a city centre has been slammed by critics as "insulting" and a "kneejerk" response.

Oxfordshire County Council voted on Wednesday to introduce the temporary £5 charge for cars travelling through six roads in Oxford in a bid to tackle congestion.

The council's transport chief, Andrew Gant, told the BBC that the plans - which are set to be introduced by 10 November - had "very considerable benefits".

But Emily Scaysbrook, who owns the independent games shop Hoyle's of Oxford, said the scheme "terrifies so many" of the city's residents and businesses.

"The fact is that the Christmas trading period is what so many retailers and hospitality businesses rely on to survive the following year, and the fact that the council are being as reckless as this to introduce this scheme in November is insulting," she told the BBC.

Hythe Bridge Street would be one of six charging points

Ms Scaysbrook is the director of the Open Roads for Oxford pressure group, which was established in the wake of the scheme's approval and promises to legally challenge its implementation.

"I want to reassure businesses and residents that we will be fighting this all of the way - this is not over," she said.

"The process has been badly done, the argument is poor, the modelling is flawed, the premise is false - so much of it is wrong."

"We look forward to seeing them [the county council] in court."

The Labour MP for Oxford East, Anneliese Dodds, has criticised the scheme

The Labour MP for Oxford East, Anneliese Dodds, also criticised the scheme, saying it was "extremely unfair" to the city's residents.

"Oxford is not London - because of our geography and also because our public transport isn't up to London's standard," she said.

"The county [council] should have focused on improving public transport and other measures in the city instead of this kneejerk scheme."

But other local groups, including the cycling campaigners Cyclox, have come out in favour of the plans.

Thalia Carr, from Cyclox, said it would "improve things for people on bikes".

"Cars that do have to drive will be able to get to their destinations quicker, it means it'll be safer for bicycles and it'll be cleaner air for everybody," she said.

"What's not to like?"

Andrew Gant of Oxfordshire County Council said the scheme has "very considerable benefits"

Responding to the criticism of the scheme, Mr Gant said the plans would "address a problem that has been made abundantly clear to us - that there is simply too much traffic".

"It will enhance bus services, it frees up road spaces, it makes the air cleaner and it makes the road safer," he said.

"The evidence says this will make the city centre more vibrant and a nicer place to be."

Addressing the threat of legal action, Mr Gant said he was "perfectly confident that our process was robust, and it certainly hasn't been rushed".

He added that the scheme would "make life miles better for people who trade by using a vehicle in Oxford".

Under the proposals permits forgoing the charge would be available for carers, traders and blue badge holders, as well as those commuting to or living in a central area of the city.