Bus companies back congestion charge plan

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

A temporary congestion charge in Oxford would be a "pretty good solution" to traffic in the city, a bus company boss has said.

Oxfordshire County Council is considering a temporary £5 charge for drivers to access the city centre on six routes.

A petition opposing the scheme has gained more than 6,000 signatures since its launch on Tuesday.

But bus operators Stagecoach West and the Oxford Bus company have both issued statements welcoming the plans which will be discussed by the council's cabinet on Tuesday.

The county council said action was needed because of delays to a planned trial of traffic filters, which cannot be introduced until Botley Road is reopened after overrunning works at Oxford Station and the railway bridge.

The filter scheme would limit car use on certain stretches of road, enforced by cameras.

The congestion charge would end once the traffic filters are in place.

Network Rail has previously said the Botley Road work would be completed in August 2026.

The Oxford Business Action Group and Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds are among those who have criticised the plans.

Oxford's bus companies have supported the idea

Oxford Bus Company previously urged Oxfordshire County Council to find a "Plan B" after the ongoing Botley Road closure delayed the traffic filters.

Chris Hanson, managing director of Stagecoach West, said he was "incredibly supportive" of the temporary congestion charge.

"It's sending a very clear message that the car isn't the preferred option, and in a place like Oxford where we have such fantastic facilities not to use the cars, it feels like a congestion charge is a pretty good solution to that," he said.

Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, said the measure would make bus travel a "more attractive alternative" to cars.

"Improving bus services will help bring about a virtuous circle of increasing bus use, and reducing congestion in our city," he said.

"We're pleased our concerns have been listened to and this is an encouraging step forward."

If approved, a six-week public consultation would begin on 23 June. The congestion charge could be in place by the autumn.

What is the plan?

• Cars would pay a £5 daily charge to use six roads in central Oxford

• Enforced by automatic number plate recognition cameras

• Other vehicles would not pay a charge

• Free permits would be available to groups such as traders, carers and blue-badge holders. New permits would also be available to residents living within the central zone

• The charge would be payable online or by phone by midnight on the day after you drive through one of the six routes

Seven days per week 07:00-19:00

• Hythe Bridge Street

• St Cross Road

• Thames Street

• St Clement's Street

Monday to Saturday 07:00-09:00 and 15:00-18:00

• Marston Ferry Road

• Hollow Way