Six-week ‘grace period’ announced for Oxford congestion charge fines
From 29th October, motorists will face a £5 daily charge for driving through one of six designated roads in Oxford without a permit.
A six-week ‘grace period’ for fines under the new Oxford congestion charge has been announced by Oxfordshire County Council, less than a week before the scheme comes into effect.
From 29th October, motorists will face a £5 daily charge for driving through one of six designated roads in Oxford, unless they have a valid permit. However, during the initial six weeks, anyone who passes a congestion charge point without paying or using a permit will be sent a letter reminding them of the rules, rather than receiving a fine.
The county council first proposed the congestion charge in June, with its cabinet approving the scheme on 10th September. Councillor Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management, said the grace period was included during the development of the scheme to help people familiarise themselves with the new rules.
“During the development of the scheme, the county council decided to include a grace period. This is not necessarily required through the legislation, but considered helpful to alert those car drivers who accidentally go through the charge points in the early stage of the scheme without a permit,” Gant said.
On a driver’s second time using a charge point without paying or holding a permit, a penalty notice would be issued. The council confirmed that 39,370 permits have already been issued.
The announcement of the grace period was made on 21st October, but information about the temporary policy had not been published on the council’s website or social media channels at the time of writing. Councillor Liam Walker said fellow councillors were not told about the change and criticised the communication around the introduction.
“While I welcome a six-week grace period is finally being introduced for the Oxford congestion charge, this is something that should have been part of the plan from day one,” Walker said.
He added his concerns about the cost of information leaflets and said, “Residents deserve competence, not confusion.”
The council said leaflets are being delivered over a two-week period and that the flyer informing residents of the scheme cost thousands of pounds to produce and distribute.
The Oxford congestion charge applies to specified roads in the city and is aimed at reducing congestion and encouraging sustainable transport.