Council 'waiting eagerly' for congestion charge

Andrew Gant said he was "waiting eagerly to see what happens" when the scheme is introduced

The man behind Oxford's new congestion charge has told the BBC that he is "waiting eagerly to see what happens" when the scheme is introduced next month.

Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet announced on Wednesday 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.

Councillor Andrew Gant said this date was a "soft launch" during school half-term, which was "great because that's a nice convenient way to get it up and running".

"It's good that we've been able to introduce it during half-term, when traffic conditions are not at their heaviest," he explained.

"We're all waiting eagerly to see what happens, and I'm confident that it will work."

Hythe Bridge Street would be one of six charging points if Oxfordshire County Council's proposals go ahead

The council had initially said the charge would be introduced by 10 November, but Mr Gant said that had been brought forward after the authority's officers and contractors had "played a blinder".

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

The charge will be payable only once per day and allows cars to go through multiple charge locations per day, or any single charge location multiple times per day.

Residents within the Oxford permit area can also get 100-day passes, while those in the Oxfordshire permit area can get 25-day passes.

"Passing a point without the relevant permit or exemption will generate a fine, in exactly the same way that, for example going through the High Street Bus Gate would now," Mr Gant explained.

"This is all very familiar territory and familiar technology, and it works fine, so you just need to get used to it."

He added that motorists would be able to appeal against any fine for failing to pay the charge the same as they currently would any other fixed penalty notices, such as parking tickets.