Oxford News
Oxford congestion charge ‘delivering positive benefits’
It’s been five months since the £5 daily fee to drive through six points into the city were introduced ahead of traffic filters after the Botley Road scheme is finally completed.
And data from Oxford Bus Company suggests passenger numbers are up by around eight per cent year on year.
Oxfordshire County Council data also indicates faster journeys by bus, increased park and ride use and improvement to city centre traffic.
However, some of the outer roads of the city centre are showing more traffic.
Hannah Kirby, co-chair of CoHSAT, has argued that because more people are walking, cycling or taking the bus into the city centre, footfall is up too.
She said: “The temporary congestion charge continues to deliver positive results, allowing buses to move quicker and making the roads safer for people who walk and cycle.
READ MORE: Judge rules ‘no chance of success’ in fight against congestion charge
“Because so many more people walk, cycle or bus to the centre than drive, it is no wonder that Oxford’s footfall is up, compared to other places in the UK which are suffering.
“Many of us take the active option because we enjoy the freedom, but the sheer economy of walking, cycling, or Oxford’s discount bus fares make them very good options against rising fuel prices as well.”
Legal challenges have been launched against the county council for the congestion charge by Open Roads for Oxford Ltd.
On Wednesday, the High Court ruled that the arguments put forward would have ‘no chance of success’ in ruling the congestion charge was unlawful.
Open Roads for Oxford Ltd said in response: “The fight is not over.”
Siobhann Mansel-Playdell from Oxfordshire Liveable Streets said: “This ruling is affirmation of the strong groundwork that Oxfordshire County Council have put into the congestion charge scheme.
“The scheme is already providing congestion and health benefits, and a fairer transport system that relies less on expensive private cars.
“We’d like to see that extended with some of the funding targeted to address inequalities, for example extending free child travel to all bus services, and improving access low-cost active travel by improving pavements, cycle parking and micromobility availability across the city and beyond.
“These initiatives will help the most financially disadvantaged in difficult economic times. ”
Labour has called for discounted bus travel from the income received by the congestion charge, which is currently funding a free bus ride on the park and ride.
City councillor Anna Railton argues that Oxford residents are not actually benefiting from the congestion charge as people living in oxford have no need to use the park and ride.
But Lib Dem transport chief Andrew Gant said it is benefiting Oxford people with faster journeys, improved bus services, cleaner air, reduced traffic and safer streets.
Three Year 10 pupils from Aureus School in Didcot travelled to London for the Royal Navy International Women’s Day event, held on HMS President during Careers Week and designed to showcase opportunities within the Royal Navy and beyond.
Students Antonia Pop, Ellie Swan and Tilly Mulvey are all taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
Ellie Swan said: “It was fantastic to see the possible career paths within the Navy.”
Rob Hayden, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award manager at Aureus School, accompanied the students to the event.
He said: “During the day, students had talks from individuals within the Navy and from guest speakers, including Hannah Botterman, who last year won both the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations with England.”
He said: “Students also had the chance to network with the speakers and other attendees.
“The event showed the students a wide range of inspirational females within the Navy and other careers.”
Aureus School, part of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust, says its vision is focused on ‘cultivating ambition’ and ‘high standards for all’.
Headteacher Kirsty Rogers says the Didcot-based co-educational comprehensive has undergone a ‘transformative journey’, creating a community where students feel a strong sense of belonging. She emphasises inclusivity, high expectations, and a broad curriculum that encourages ambition, resilience and respect, supported by dedicated staff and diverse extra-curricular opportunities.
The flights mark a major boost to the airport’s connectivity ahead of the budget airline’s record Summer 2026 schedule.
The new routes form part of Ryanair’s expanded Glasgow programme for Summer 2026, which will see the airline operate over 100 weekly flights across eight routes.
The new double-daily London Stansted service further strengthens Glasgow’s access to the English capital, while the launch of the Warsaw service enhances Glasgow’s international offering.
Jonathan Ford, portfolio manager at AGS Airports, said: “It’s fantastic to see Ryanair’s new services to London Stansted and Warsaw take off today.
“The double-daily Stansted route offers even more flexibility for business and leisure travellers heading to and from England’s innovation corridor, while Warsaw provides a valuable new link that expands the international connectivity available to our passengers.
“These launches mark the start of what will be a record summer for Ryanair at Glasgow, and we look forward to welcoming even more travellers through our doors.”
Last month, Ryanair launched its 2026 plan for Glasgow with 10 routes, including holiday hotspots like Lanzarote, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife, as well as city break destinations like Barcelona and Pisa.
The budget airline will also operate extra frequencies on its Alicante, Faro, Pisa, Malaga and Murcia routes.
The new schedule is underpinned by Ryanair’s two Glasgow Prestwick-based aircraft.
Thames Valley Police said it stopped a vehicle yesterday evening (Saturday March 28) after noting it had defective lights in Woodstock.
The car “smelt of cannabis” and following a “positive drugs test” the police arrested the motorist.
READ MORE: Investigation launched as unidentified Toyota ‘hits’ pedestrian near Uni Parks
A spokesperson for the the roads policing unit said they “stopped a vehicle this evening with defective lights in Woodstock”.
They added: “The vehicle smelt of cannabis. The driver provided a positive drug wipe and was arrested.”
Driving under the influence of drugs (drug driving) is a criminal offence and if found guilty, the driver could face an automatic driving ban, a hefty fine, and potential prison time.
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoOxford: ‘Next generation’ LimeBikes in city from today
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoWhy Join Oxford | Oxford University Jobs
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoExplore our Careers
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoMichelin Guide Oxfordshire Restaurants – The Oxford Magazine
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoOxford News and Events, What’s on in Oxford, Exhibitions
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoInternal Job Board for University vacancies
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoCrash partially blocks A40 and causes severe Oxfordshire traffic
-
Student Life2 weeks agoThe independent cinema battling Oriel College to stay open