Residents are now able to apply for permits ahead of the launch of Oxfordshire County Council’s temporary congestion charge in Oxford, using an online permit registration system.

The county council’s scheme to tackle traffic problems in Oxford in the short-term is planned to start on Wednesday 29 October.

The temporary congestion charge will reduce traffic in the city during Network Rail’s extended closure of Botley Road, making journeys quicker, more connected, more flexible and more reliable. When Botley Road reopens, the council will be able to introduce its traffic filter trial as planned.

Cars with a valid permit will be able to drive free of charge through all six congestion charge locations in Oxford.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management said: 

“Oxford needs to reduce the number of cars on its roads to thrive. I am delighted that we have now reached this important milestone in implementing the temporary congestion charge in Oxford. Together with the significant reduction in congestion that we will see with the temporary charge, the permits will enable those who need to make trips by car, to do so much more easily.”

People driving a car without a permit can pay a £5 daily charge to drive through the charge locations. The charge will be payable only once per day and allows travel through multiple charge locations per day, or any single charge location multiple times per day.

Any vehicle that isn’t a car – for example: van, motorbike and bus – will be automatically exempt from the temporary congestion charge and owners of these vehicles do not need to apply for a permit.

Permits are available for residents, blue badge holders, community health and care workers, mobile traders, patients with frequent hospital visits, and many other groups.

(Pic: Yay Images)