🚦Oxford’s Temporary Congestion Charge: Myth vs. Reality
Oxford is facing a crisis on our roads — congestion, unreliable public transport, and poor air quality are making everyday travel a struggle for many. The proposal for a temporary congestion charge is a targeted response to relieve pressure while longer-term solutions like the traffic filters are delayed.
But with any bold proposal comes confusion, fear, and misinformation. So let’s set the record straight.
Here are the most common myths we’ve heard — and the facts that counter them.
“The roads are already chaotic – why make it worse?”
Oxford’s traffic is already at breaking point – especially with the Botley Road closure. The temporary congestion charge aims to ease pressure, not add to it. Doing nothing isn’t neutral — it’s letting the chaos continue.
“Won’t this just push congestion to other roads?”
Avoiding the charge by using the Ring Road usually means a longer, slower journey which costs drivers time and fuel. Paying the charge means faster, more direct trips on quieter city roads, with the money supporting better public transport. While it’s possible to drive around the filters, it’s rarely quicker — and filters on roads like Holloway and Marston Ferry prevent traffic from simply diverting there. The goal isn’t to stop driving into Oxford, but to stop using the city as a cut-through. Real congestion relief comes from giving people better alternatives, like buses that can move freely even when traffic builds up.
“Oxford isn’t congested for half the year – we don’t need this!”
Tackling congestion goes beyond peak months — the temporary congestion charge will address peak hours, poor air quality, and unreliable travel year-round. Even on quieter days, buses can be delayed and streets gridlocked. This will create consistency and reliability in our transport system.
“It’s a tax on working people.”
The scheme includes exemptions for key workers and vulnerable groups. It’s designed to prioritise essential journeys and free up road space for those who need it. Exemptions were informed by the Citizen Assembly which ranked priority user groups according to fairness
“It’ll make it harder to work in Oxford – we’ll lose key workers!”
Essential workers are protected through exemptions, and the aim is to make commuting more reliable … not harder. With better bus routes and less congestion, journeys can become faster and more predictable, making Oxford a better place to work.
“This will hit people who can least afford it – it’s unfair!”
Lower-income residents are least likely to own or use cars — and most affected by pollution and unreliable public transport. The temporary congestion charge includes exemptions for NHS staff, carers, Blue Badge holders and more. It’s designed to support better journeys for those who rely on them most.
“It’ll destroy city centre business!”
People-friendly city centres thrive by attracting more footfall and benefiting local businesses. Cleaner, calmer streets are better for shops, markets, and everyday life.
“It’s just a money-making scheme for the Council!”
This is a tool to reduce congestion, with revenue from the charge going towards improving public transport. That means cheaper fares, more reliable buses, and better travel options for everyone.
“It’s just a way to give money to private bus companies.”
Revenue from the temporary congestion charge is ringfenced for public transport improvements, not private profits. In the UK, most bus services are run by private operators under a deregulated system, including in Oxford. The funds raised from the charge will be used by the County Council to deliver public benefits such as: cheaper fares, more frequent and reliable services, new and extended routes. The public benefits, even if the delivery is commercial. The bus companies have stated that any additional profits will be invested in service improvements. This is about investing in a fairer, more accessible transport system for everyone.
“Just scrap the LTNs – that’ll fix congestion!”
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) are designed to calm traffic in residential areas, not to solve city-wide congestion on their own. The temporary congestion charge works alongside LTNs to tackle the root problem: too many unnecessary car journeys into the city centre. These tools work together, not in competition.
“It’s just a rebrand of the traffic filters.”
The charge is a short-term proposal introduced in response to gridlock while the traffic filters are delayed. It’s a response to urgent need, based on the existing traffic filters modelling, and is not a substitute plan.
“It’s outrageous to charge Oxford residents to drive in their own city!”
Most Oxford residents already walk, cycle, or use the bus. The temporary congestion charge targets unnecessary car journeys, not essential local travel. This isn’t about locking residents out — it’s about giving them cleaner air, better buses, and safer streets.
“It’s anti-car.”
This is about balance — not banning cars. The temporary congestion charge aims to reduce unnecessary car journeys so that our roads work better for everyone, especially those who really do need to drive. Congestion doesn’t just frustrate drivers; it also slows down buses, creates unsafe conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, and pollutes the air we all breathe. Congestion is anti-everyone. No one benefits from roads that are jammed, slow, and stressful to use. By reducing car traffic, the charge will make it easier for people to choose how they get around — whether that’s walking, cycling, taking the bus, or driving when necessary. It’s about fairly sharing our limited street space so that the system works for more people, not just those in cars.
“It’s just like the London Congestion Charge.”
This is a temporary, small-scale charge that applies only during peak hours in central Oxford.
“It won’t make any difference.”
The charge is expected to cut congestion, reduce delays, and generate funds to improve buses and public transport, just as similar schemes have done in other cities. The modelling shows that the reduction in traffic would have a positive impact on bus journey times, especially in the city centre and inner radials.
“This is being imposed without consultation.”
The proposal follows years of public engagement, including Oxford’s Citizens’ Assembly in 2019. A clear priority across the Assembly was the need to reduce traffic congestion. Participants proposed a layered approach that combined disincentives such as congestion charges.
📢 Use This Information to Make Your Voice Heard
The public consultation on the temporary congestion charge closes on Sunday 3 August at midnight. This is your chance to engage constructively.
âś… Use these facts to respond with confidence.
âś… Push back against misinformation in your networks.
âś… Support measures that tackle congestion, not just talk about it.
👉 Respond to the consultation here
✍️ Sign the Open Letter for a Fairer, Calmer Oxford
We’re backing an open letter urging Oxfordshire County Council to adopt bold decongestion measures.
The letter is available for signatures across all sectors:
Businesses
Organisations
Community groups
Leadership voices
Citizens of Oxford and Oxfordshire
Add your name now and show decision-makers that Oxfordshire wants streets that work for people — not traffic.