Oxford £5 congestion charge – and what it could mean for drivers

Oxford could soon become the latest UK city to bring in a congestion charge — with drivers facing a £5 daily fee to enter the city centre.

The proposal, put forward by Oxfordshire County Council, is aimed at tackling the gridlock caused by long-term roadworks and encouraging people to switch to public transport, walking or cycling. But it’s already dividing opinion.

Drivers heading to Oxford could soon be charged to drive in the city (Image by Alfonso Cerezo from Pixabay)

Why is it being proposed?

The main reason is the ongoing closure of Botley Road, one of Oxford’s key routes into the city, which is shut to cars until August 2026 while Network Rail works on a major rail and station upgrade. With traffic displaced onto other routes, congestion has surged — making bus services unreliable and air quality worse.

In response, the council wants to introduce a temporary £5 congestion charge for vehicles driving into the city centre. If approved, the charge could come into force in autumn 2025 and stay in place until late 2026, when Botley Road is due to reopen.

This new proposal is separate to the existing Oxford Zero Emission Zone, which already charges some vehicles for driving in certain areas on the city. Find details on the Oxford ZEZ here

Who would it affect?

The charge would apply to all private cars, vans, and lorries entering central Oxford during the day — regardless of whether they’re petrol, diesel, or electric.

However, the council says there will be exemptions and discounts. These are likely to include:

• Blue Badge holders

• Emergency vehicles

• Public transport and taxis

• Essential carers and some small businesses

Final details would be shaped by a public consultation, expected to launch on 23 June 2025.

What are the aims?

The £5 charge has two main goals:

1. Cut traffic in the city centre while a key road is closed

2. Improve bus reliability by reducing congestion

It’s also part of a wider push to make Oxford a cleaner, greener city. The council has already trialled a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ), where polluting vehicles are charged up to £10 a day. It’s also introduced traffic filters — restrictions that limit vehicle access on key roads during certain hours.

What do critics say?

The proposal has sparked backlash — even from within the city. Oxford City Council, which shares transport responsibilities with the county council, has criticised the plans as “elitist” and poorly communicated. Some argue that it unfairly punishes those who can’t afford to live centrally or work flexibly.

Local businesses are also concerned it could reduce footfall, with some traders fearing delivery issues or fewer customers driving into town.

Campaigners have compared it to the ZEZ scheme, claiming it’s effectively a congestion charge “by another name” — and that it risks increasing inequality in who can access the city centre.

What happens next?

The county council’s cabinet is still reviewing the proposal. If they move forward, the public will be asked to have their say during the summer consultation. The results could determine whether the charge goes ahead — and what form it takes.

Bottom line for drivers

The temporary £5 congestion charge is being pitched as a short-term fix for a long-term traffic headache. But in a city already grappling with environmental goals, economic pressures, and transport inequality, it could become a flashpoint for much bigger debates over how we all get around in the future.

 

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