Home / Business and Economy / Oxford Drivers Face £5 Congestion Charge Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis
Oxford Drivers Face £5 Congestion Charge Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis
19 Oct
Summary
- Oxfordshire Council to introduce £5 congestion charge in Oxford from October 29
- Measure aims to cut traffic, improve air quality, and boost public transport
- Local businesses and residents oppose the charge, threaten legal action
In just a matter of days, drivers in Oxford will be hit with a controversial £5 congestion charge. Oxfordshire County Council is preparing to introduce this temporary fee on October 29 as an interim measure to address traffic, air quality, and public transport issues in the city.
The council argues that the charge, along with a free park-and-ride service, will help create a cleaner and more accessible Oxford. However, the plan is facing significant pushback from locals and business owners. An opposition group, Open Roads for Oxford, has formally threatened legal action, claiming the council failed to adequately consider public consultation responses.
Businesses in the city center, such as Hoyle's and Pens Plus of Oxford, are particularly concerned about the financial strain the charge will place on them and their customers during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. They have urged the council to reconsider its position before "forcing residents, businesses, and workers into costly and unnecessary hardship."
Despite the backlash, the council remains committed to the temporary congestion charge, stating that it will help reduce queues, improve air quality, and make public transport more reliable, especially in the lead-up to the busy Christmas period.
