Campaign group ‘disappointed’ Oxford congestion charge will begin sooner than expected
The temporary congestion charge will start Wednesday, October 29
Last updated 26th Sep 2025
A campaign group fighting to bring legal action against Oxford’s congestion charge say they're ‘surprised and disappointed’ the scheme will come into force earlier than expected.
The temporary scheme to charge motorist a £5 daily expense for driving through some roads in Oxford, was approved by the council’s cabinet with the aim it would be introduced no later than November 10.
Earlier this week, the County Council announced the charge will begin Wednesday, October 29.
Emily Scaysbrook is co-founder of Open Roads for Oxford which is a company planning to bring legal action to stop the congestion in its tracks.
She said: “Everyone's pretty surprised to say the least. I think that people have some very strong feelings about this, as do I.
“It's really disappointing. We were given the impression that we would have until the 10th of November, so to have this brought forward is disappointing.”
Ms Scaysbrook added: “It matters all the more so that people understand that we are doing something.
“We're going to do what we can to stop it from going ahead in October now.
“Obviously it's difficult and any support that people can feel that they can give, we would very much appreciate because we can't do it alone.”
The County Council says it's not received a legal challenge, so can't comment on any potential legal action.
Under the scheme, permits will be available to several residents, including blue badge holders, care workers, mobile traders, and patients with frequent hospital visits.
Those eligible can now apply using the council’s online registration system, which will be valid for 12 months.
Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport said in a previous statement: “The temporary congestion charge will reduce traffic in and around Oxford, to provide the faster, cheaper and more reliable buses, and improved walking and cycling infrastructure that people want.
“Reducing traffic will allow buses to operate far more efficiently in the city, allowing existing routes to be improved, and new routes to be added.
“More than half of the 7,165 responses that the council listened to during the recent six-week consultation were from residents of Oxford. The council analysed responses carefully and changes were made to the scheme as a result of feedback.”