Oxfordshire County Council today (June 15) published a long-awaited report by Survation Ltd on the impact of the controversial congestion charge on 300 businesses across the city.

It presents a survey carried out by Indiefield on businesses in postcodes from OX1 to OX4 between April 30 and May 15.

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The survey found that the most common pressure reported by businesses was rising costs (69 per cent), while economic uncertainty and transport or travel costs followed closely as key pressures, reported 61 per cent of businesses.

The impact of the congestion charge on Oxford’s businesses has been revealed in a new survey (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

The survey found shop-front businesses, including retail, hospitality and tourism, were most likely to report the congestion charge has had a negative overall effect at 47 per cent compared to 24 per cent for other business types.

Shop-front businesses were similarly most to say to the charge has decreased customer numbers (58 per cent versus 18 per cent), made deliveries or servicing more difficult (57 per cent versus 33 per cent), and increased operating costs (43 per cent versus 33 per cent).

Across business types, 39 per cent said deliveries or servicing has become more difficult and more businesses have reported customer decreases (29 per cent) than increases (21 per cent).

However, overall, most businesses in Oxford said they are performing well (72 per cent) and 79 per cent of businesses who gave a view on their performance compared to a year ago said they are doing the same or better.

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The council’s survey indicated that nearly half of businesses (48 per cent) reported no noticeable effect from the congestion charge, while 30 per cent reported negative impacts and 22 per cent positive.

Spend in Oxford’s suburban food and beverage destinations has gone down more than average with comparable cities, and businesses with mobile or transport-intensive operations reported sharper pressures on their trade, particularly around costs and travel.

More businesses in Oxford reported customer decreases (29 per cent) than increases (21 per cent) (Image: NQ)

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “This new data gives us an evidence-based picture of how businesses are faring in the city.

“There are many challenges affecting businesses at this time, and data can help us understand what is having an impact.

“While it’s great that nearly 80 per cent of businesses who gave a view on their performance compared to a year ago said they are doing the same or better, it is clear that many are feeling significant pressures due to a number of local and national factors.

“There is still more to do to improve travel in and around Oxford and help keep the city moving.

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“The traffic filters trial, from autumn, is one way we’ll further reduce traffic.”

It’s the first monitoring report on the impact of the temporary traffic scheme on businesses to have been published by the council, after it was initially promised that data would come out in January.

The temporary congestion charge has been in place on six roads in Oxford since October 29, designed to help reduce traffic while Botley Road remains closed and the traffic filter trial is delayed.  

It was recently announced that The Oxford Union (OU) will host far-right activist Tommy Robinson for a debate on Islam

This will take place on Wednesday (June 17), despite outcry from faith leaders, local politicians and campaign groups.

The student debate society has advertised a debate on social media titled The West Is Right To Be Suspicious Of Islam.

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Speakers include Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, alongside fellow far-right voice Laurence Fox, opposed by others including former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Now, Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, has issued a statement, revealing there will be a police presence in the city.

“I am deeply concerned by The Oxford Union’s decision to host Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, at its debate on Wednesday,” she said.

“Oxford is a proudly diverse, multicultural city. Whilst we are committed to free speech and open debate, that must be balanced against ensuring all our residents can live free from hatred, intimidation and harm.

“Faith leaders and members of our communities have already voiced their strong opposition to this invitation, and I stand with them.

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“I urge the Oxford Union to reflect seriously on the consequences of its choices – not only for its own reputation, but the message this event sends about Oxford and its values.

“A large-scale security operation is being prepared, involving extensive police resources and road closures.

“This will cause considerable disruption for local residents and businesses, and comes at a substantial cost.

“The Oxford Union must meet the full costs of staging their event, rather than leaving Oxford’s taxpayers to pick up the bill.”

The incident took place on Tuesday (June 9) in the car park of The Beacon in Wantage.

A 34-year-old man was arrested, charged, and remanded for possession with intent to supply, and his vehicle was seized.

This was after 32 wraps of Class A drugs and a “significant amount of cash” were found on him.

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The drugs found. (Image: Thames Valley Police)

Thames Valley Police posted an update on their South Oxon and Vale of White Horse Facebook page this morning (Monday, June 15).

The statement said: “On June 9, 2026, our team was out looking for a vehicle that had recently piqued our interest. We located it in the car park of The Beacon.

“Now, he might have been there to pick up tickets for the open mic night, Rory Bremner, or even Noasis (who are there next week and apparently very good), but it was far more likely he was there to deal.

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The car was seized. (Image: Thames Valley Police)

“A search confirmed our suspicions: 32 wraps of Class A and a significant amount of cash were found on him.

“Thanks to previous chases, we blocked him in early and ensured he was safely detained.

“A 34‑year‑old male from outside the area was arrested, charged, and remanded for Possession With Intent to Supply. The vehicle was seized.”