Plans for a temporary congestion charge in Oxford are to be discussed on Tuesday – but already face opposition from the city council.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet has been recommended to approve the proposal as a temporary measure until the controversial traffic filters can be implemented in August 2026, once Botley Road has reopened.

Tuesday’s cabinet will be asked to approve the start of a public consultation on a temporary congestion charge.

If approved, a public consultation would start on June 23, with implementation of the temporary scheme in Autumn this year.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport management, said: “We urgently need to see improvements to travel around the city; better bus services and less traffic overall, to help people get around.

“We must take action for our residents, businesses and visitors while Botley Road remains closed and I look forward to discussing the options with cabinet colleagues.”

The £5 per car, seven-day-a-week charge, imposed from 7am – 7pm, will be payable by all non-permit holders who pass through the points at which the traffic filters will operate.

Permits would be available for groups including carers, traders and blue badge holders, the same as for the planned traffic filters trial, allowing them to pass through charge points without incurring fees.

New types of permits would be available for residents, their visitors and commuters in a central area where car drivers would have no option but to pass a temporary charge location.

OCC says income generated by the temporary congestion charge would be used to cover the cost of setting up and operating the charging points with any surplus used towards discounted park and ride services and improved bus services.

But Oxford City Council says those promises are vague and Oxford’s traffic situation would be better dealt with by its proposed Greater Oxford Council.

In a statement published soon after OCC’s cabinet meeting agenda was made public, city council leader Cllr Susan Brown said: “There has been no engagement with businesses, residents or the city council until today – yet again the city is being done to rather than engaged with in preparing transport proposals.

“We are concerned that this scheme allows people who can afford to do so to buy access to our streets. Those who can’t, will struggle.

“We believe that Oxford residents deserve clear proposals to deliver a cheaper, more comprehensive bus service in the city – not just vague promises of improvements. Any revenue from this scheme should be spent in the city on public transport.

“We also want to see further action on tackling the very real impact that private school traffic has on congestion in the city, with specific actions taken to reduce it.

“Comparisons made by the county council to London are unrealistic considering the variety of other public transport options available in London. We are not anywhere near there yet in Oxford.

“Doing nothing is not an option. We need a full review of transport policies with a view to tackling congestion in our city. This is something a Greater Oxford Council would do.”

Image shows key areas which will not be accessible without going through a charging point.

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