Oxford congestion charge is now underway from today
It will cost drivers £5 per day without a permit
Last updated 29th Oct 2025
Motorists will now have to pay a £5 daily charge through six locations in Oxford as the temporary congestion charge scheme takes place from today.
Oxfordshire County Council say it ‘will reduce traffic in the city while Botley Road remains closed, preventing the start of the traffic filter trial’.
Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement’s Street and Thames Street will all be subject to the charge Monday to Sunday between 7am to 7pm.
Meanwhile, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way are charged Monday to Saturday, at peak times between 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm.
Anne Gwinnett, a director of Open Roads for Oxford which is a company bringing legal action against the scheme.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, she said: “The evidence is really clear that this is going to damage people's lives, literally.
“It's going to affect businesses, which will have a huge impact on Oxford. It's going to affect schools and people who work in the health services, which again will affect residents and the local community. So please think again, there are better solutions out there.”
Ms Gwinnett added: “We are absolutely fighting this to the best of our ability. So, I hope that we are here and we are battling against this and continuing to make the arguments; I hope that people will realise that this isn't necessarily the end of the line and we have to keep fighting it.”
“We will be watching the impacts carefully”
The County Council say the temporary scheme will contribute towards creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive city.
Also that, it will improve bus services, with both major bus companies operating in the city announcing changes to their services as a result of the scheme.
Councillor Andrew Gant, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We will be watching the impacts carefully as residents, visitors and businesses adjust to the temporary congestion charge.”
He added: “I am very pleased that Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company have come forward with significant service improvements, and that we as a council are able to offer the benefit of free park and ride bus travel, as a result of this scheme.”
Free park and ride bus journeys will be available in Oxford for a period of three months.
Cars with permits and all other vehicles can pass through the charge locations for free.
Oxfordshire council say the charge ‘will also make it easier for those with permits, including carers, traders and blue badge holders, to travel by car’.