Proposals for a £4.2m temporary congestion charge investment plan will be discussed again by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet in May, with some proposals presented in more detail. The council’s cabinet has asked for some amendments and more information before making a decision about investment.
The amended proposals include an amended offer for park and ride in Oxford, with the possible introduction of a £3 combined ticket until the end of December 2026, and additional benefits for other groups; including for NHS and school staff working in Oxford.
Free park and ride bus travel was introduced on 29 October to support the temporary congestion charge, which has been implemented as an interim measure while Botley Road remains closed, preventing the start of the traffic filter trial.
Other proposed initiatives that could also be funded by the temporary scheme include:
- Free weekday park and ride parking for NHS and school staff working in Oxford for nine months from 1 June 2026, for work travel.
- Free weekday bus travel for NHS and school staff working in Oxford for nine months from 1 June 2026, for work travel.
- Hospital express park and ride services for 12 months from 1 October 2026.
- Active travel infrastructure, including pedestrian crossings, side road entry treatments, and secure cycle parking.
- Free bus travel for six months per participant in the council’s Connect to Work programme for 2026 – 27.
- A limited trial of subsidised bus season tickets for certain communities.
- Improved active travel infrastructure to deal with ‘missing links’ in the active travel network as already identified in council policy and plans.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management said:
“The temporary congestion charge is giving residents and visitors to the city faster journeys, cleaner air, reduced traffic and safer streets.
“We now have an opportunity, with the funding available, to explore some ideas with lasting impact that will improve travel safety and the environment. I look forward to cabinet discussing this in more detail next month.
“It’s my hope that some of these lasting benefits from the temporary congestion charge will also support the transition to the traffic filters trial after Botley Road reopens.”
(Picture: Oxfordshire County Council)
