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.

Buses in Oxford High Street (Image: Oxford Mail)

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.

Siobhann Mansel-Playdell, campaigns director of Oxfordshire Liveable Streets (Image: Oxfordshire Liveable Streets)

“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.