Cowley congestion charge plans discussed

Cowley locals and politicians have raised fears that the area could be worse affected by plans to introduce a congestion charge in Oxford.

Oxfordshire County Council will decide whether to introduce the temporary charge on several roads in the city in September, and it could be in introduced in Autumn.

One of the roads includes Hollow Way in Cowley, where motorists would have to pay £5 to access the road between 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm Monday to Saturday unless they have a permit.

Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, raised concerns about how Cowley in particular could be affected by the scheme in her letter to councillor Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management.

Niaz Ali, owner of Holloway Autoparts, said: “As a shop owner we get regular questions now about whether the council will shut our road down.

“There’s not enough information, and even the idea of it puts people off.

“We have never been visited by anyone in the council.

“They have got no feedback and no plan in place for what to do if we are disproportionately affected.”

Drivers can still access the store they come around the bypass, but Mr Ali said this would add an extra half an hour to journey times for customers coming from Headington.

“We have had a few regular customers who now avoid us because of the traffic that’s been created.

“It seems as if they have this plan to reduce congestion and traffic which is good, but ill-thought out.

“We will lose trade over it – there’s no question.”

Councillor Saj Malik, who represents Cowley on the city and county council, said: “So many residents and business owners in Cowley will be disproportionately impacted by the congestion charge if it goes ahead.

“The councillors who are proposing this scheme seem to have little awareness of the complexities of how people live their lives day to day.

“As usual, it’s those who are the least well off who will end up bearing the brunt.

“I urge the decision makers to come to Cowley to engage with ordinary folk, and not only listen but act on what they hear.”

Cowley also has

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: “The scheme is designed to improve the city’s transport system for everyone’s benefit.

“Like most other parts of the city, the Cowley area should see an overall reduction in congestion, better bus services, and safer walking and cycling conditions.

“Like all Oxford residents, Cowley residents will be eligible for 100 day passes per vehicle keeper (for up to three vehicle keepers per address).

“Like all drivers, Cowley residents may need to take a longer route to avoid the charge when not using a day pass.

“The scheme aims to reduce traffic in the short term, while Botley Road remains closed  preventing the start of the traffic filter trial, contributing towards creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive city.

“It is designed to improve bus services and make it easier for those with permits, including carers, traders and blue badge holders, to travel by car into and around Oxford, and improve air quality in the city.”

They added that footfall and spending data would be monitored at various locations in the city and analysed on a month-by-month basis.

Hollow Way is not currently included in the shopping districts that will be monitored.

Other roads that would be affected by the charge include Marston Ferry Road at the same time as Hollow Way, as well as Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street and St. Clement’s Street every day from 7am to 7pm.